Hexagonal Wire Netting

Hexagonal Wire Netting — Buying Guide

About Hexagonal Wire Netting

Hexagonal wire netting (also known as hex wire, chicken wire or rabbit wire) has been used in Australian farming and gardening for generations. Its flexible hexagonal weave makes it easy to work with and shape around irregular spaces, and its galvanised coating provides reasonable outdoor durability at a very affordable price point. It remains one of the most popular wire products for backyard farmers, market gardeners and DIY fencers across the country.

Typical Uses

• Chicken and poultry runs — lightweight, low-cost mesh for backyard chicken coops and free-range runs
• Rabbit exclusion — protecting veggie patches and gardens from rabbit damage with buried wire skirts
• Garden bed borders — low fence surrounds to keep pets and wildlife out of ornamental beds
• Wildlife tree guards — protecting young native plantings from kangaroos, rabbits and other grazers
• Compost bay walls — forming simple wire-sided compost enclosures in the garden
• Concrete formwork reinforcement — lightweight reinforcement in shaped concrete and plasterwork

Understanding Aperture Sizes

The most commonly used aperture sizes in Australian applications are: 25mm (the standard for poultry and rabbit exclusion — prevents most rabbits and small birds from passing through) and 50mm (general purpose, used for larger enclosures where small animal exclusion is not critical). The 13mm aperture is used for snakes and very small bird exclusion. Select the aperture that matches the smallest animal you need to exclude or contain.

Installation Tips

Hex netting is best secured to timber posts with staples, or to steel posts with tie wire. When using as a pest exclusion fence, fold the bottom of the netting outward at ground level (150–300mm) and peg it flat to deter digging animals. Join rolls by overlapping one full hexagon and twisting the wire together. Always wear gloves when handling cut hex netting as the wire ends are sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does galvanised hex netting last outdoors?
Depending on gauge and local environment, galvanised hex netting typically lasts 5–15 years outdoors. Heavier gauge mesh lasts longer. In high-UV and coastal environments, inspect regularly for rust and replace sections as needed.

What gauge hex netting should I buy?
For general garden and poultry use, 19–22 gauge is common. For longer life and better predator resistance, choose heavier 16–18 gauge mesh. Check product listings for wire gauge specifications.

Order Hexagonal Wire Netting Online — Australia-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast dispatch. We supply gardeners, poultry keepers and rural property owners across Australia. Available in multiple aperture sizes and roll dimensions.