Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts and chicken keepers! If you’ve been scratching your head wondering where to buy chicken wire for your latest project, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re building a chicken coop, creating garden protection, or working on a crafty DIY project, finding the right chicken wire (also called poultry netting) can make or break your success
I’ve spent countless hours researching the best places to purchase quality chicken wire, and I’m excited to share my findings with you Trust me, not all chicken wire is created equal, and knowing where to shop can save you time, money, and frustration!
What Exactly is Chicken Wire?
Before we dive into where to buy it, let’s quickly clarify what chicken wire actually is:
Chicken wire is a flexible mesh fencing made of thin, galvanized steel wire or plastic, woven into a hexagonal pattern. Despite its name suggesting a single use, this versatile material can be used for:
- Building chicken coops and runs
- Protecting gardens from pests
- Creating craft projects
- Animal enclosures for rabbits, dogs, and other pets
- Preventing erosion
- Supporting climbing plants
- And sooo much more!
Top Retailers for Buying Chicken Wire
After extensive research, I’ve found that these three major retailers offer the best selection, quality, and value for chicken wire:
1. Tractor Supply Co.
Tractor Supply Co. is basically heaven for anyone needing farm and ranch supplies, including an impressive selection of chicken wire and poultry netting.
What They Offer:
- Wide variety of brands including YARDGARD, Garden Zone, and Garden Craft
- Multiple mesh sizes (1-inch and 2-inch being most common)
- Various heights from 1 foot up to 6 feet
- Rolls in different lengths (25 ft, 50 ft, and 150 ft)
- Both galvanized steel and vinyl-coated options
- Price range: $9.99 to $149.99
Why I Love Them:
Tractor Supply has some of the best customer ratings for their chicken wire products, with many items boasting 4.5+ stars out of 5. Their YARDGARD 1-inch mesh products are particularly popular, and many sizes offer same-day delivery or pickup options.
They’ve also got some solid sales going on – I noticed many items were discounted by $5-$45 off regular prices. Plus, with 49 different chicken wire products to choose from, you’ll definitely find what you need!
2. Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware’s chicken wire selection might be smaller than Tractor Supply’s, but they still offer quality options for your projects.
What They Offer:
- Garden Craft brand poultry netting
- Galvanized steel and vinyl options
- Standard 1-inch and 2-inch mesh sizes
- 25 ft and 50 ft lengths
- Heights ranging from 24 inches to 48 inches
- Price range: Approximately $16.19 to $49.49
Why Consider Ace:
While they only had one product showing in the provided info (Garden Craft 48 in. H X 50 ft. L Galvanized Steel Poultry Netting with 1 in. openings), Ace Hardware is known for their helpful service and convenient locations. If you’ve got an Ace nearby, it’s worth checking out what they have in stock.
3. Home Depot
Home Depot offers a solid selection of chicken wire products with competitive pricing and the convenience of their vast retail network.
What They Offer:
- Everbilt brand dominates their selection
- Mesh sizes from 3/4 inch to 2 inches
- Various heights (2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft)
- Lengths of 25 ft, 50 ft, and up to 150 ft
- Materials including galvanized steel, green PVC-coated, and black plastic
- Price range: $18.98 to $61.93 for basic rolls
Why Shop at Home Depot:
Their Everbilt 1-inch mesh products receive excellent reviews (4.6/5 stars across hundreds of reviews). I particularly like that they offer bundles that include posts, post drivers, and other accessories – great for complete projects!
Home Depot also offers convenient shipping options for all their chicken wire products, so you don’t even have to leave your house.
Comparing Your Options: Which Store is Best?
Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide where to shop:
| Store | Price Range | Selection | Delivery Options | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tractor Supply | $9.99-$149.99 | 49 products | Same-day delivery/pickup | Best variety, frequent sales |
| Ace Hardware | $16.19-$49.49 | Limited | Standard delivery | Helpful service |
| Home Depot | $18.98-$61.93 | 135 products | Free 1-2 day delivery, same-day options | Bundle packages available |
Factors to Consider When Buying Chicken Wire
When you’re ready to make your purchase, keep these important factors in mind:
1. Material Matters
Galvanized Steel:
- Most common and durable option
- Resists rust and corrosion
- Lasts for years with proper maintenance
- Better for predator protection
Vinyl-Coated or Plastic:
- Easier to work with and safer (no sharp edges)
- Often available in green or black for better blending with landscaping
- More expensive but can last longer in harsh weather
- Better for decorative projects or areas with children
2. Mesh Size is Crucial
The size of the hexagonal openings in your chicken wire makes a huge difference:
- 1-inch mesh: Perfect for keeping chickens in and most predators out
- 2-inch mesh: Good for larger animals but small predators can get through
- 3/4-inch mesh: Provides extra protection against smaller pests
- 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch: These are actually hardware cloth, which offers maximum protection but at a higher price
3. Wire Gauge (Thickness)
Lower gauge numbers mean thicker, stronger wire:
- 20-gauge: Standard for most residential applications
- 19-gauge or lower: Stronger and more durable, better for serious predator protection
- Higher than 20: Thinner and easier to work with but less durable
4. Height and Length Considerations
- Height: Common heights are 2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft, 5 ft, and 6 ft
- Length: Typically sold in 25 ft, 50 ft, and 150 ft rolls
- Consider your project needs and buy a little extra to account for overlaps and mistakes
How to Install Your Chicken Wire
Once you’ve purchased your chicken wire from one of these retailers, here’s a quick guide to installation:
- Gather your tools: Wire cutters, gloves, staple gun or U-nails, and posts
- Measure twice, cut once: Mark your perimeter and plan your layout
- Install posts: Place posts no more than 5 feet apart for proper support
- Unroll gradually: Work with a partner if possible
- Secure at bottom: Bury the bottom 6-12 inches to prevent digging predators
- Attach to posts: Use staples, zip ties, or fencing clips
- Finish edges: Fold over sharp edges for safety
Beyond the Big Retailers: Other Places to Look
While the three main stores I’ve highlighted are my top recommendations, don’t overlook these other options:
- Local farm supply stores: Often have competitive prices and knowledgeable staff
- Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and specialty farm websites
- Feed stores: Many carry basic fencing supplies
- Secondhand options: Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for used materials
Final Thoughts: My Personal Experience
I’ve personally purchased chicken wire from all three of these major retailers, and each has its strengths. When I needed a quick solution for my garden, Home Depot’s same-day delivery saved me. For my chicken coop project, Tractor Supply had the exact specifications I needed with their YARDGARD heavy-duty options.
In my experience, it’s worth taking the time to compare prices between these stores, as they often have sales or promotions that can save you significant money on larger purchases. Don’t forget to check their websites for current inventory before making a special trip!
Whether you’re protecting your precious vegetable garden, keeping your chickens safe, or embarking on a creative DIY project, knowing where to buy quality chicken wire is the first step toward success. With the options available at Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, and Home Depot, you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
Have you purchased chicken wire recently? Where did you buy it, and how was your experience? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your projects!
FAQs About Buying Chicken Wire
Q: What’s the difference between chicken wire and hardware cloth?
A: Chicken wire has hexagonal openings and is generally made of thinner wire, while hardware cloth has square openings and uses thicker wire for better predator protection.
Q: How much chicken wire do I need for a standard chicken coop?
A: For a typical 4×8 foot coop with a 6-foot height, you’ll need approximately 80-100 square feet of chicken wire, accounting for overlap and doors.
Q: Can I install chicken wire myself or do I need professional help?
A: Most chicken wire installations are totally DIY-friendly! With basic tools and a little patience, you can definitely handle this project yourself.
Q: How long does chicken wire typically last?
A: Galvanized chicken wire can last 5-10 years depending on your climate and how it’s installed. Vinyl-coated options may last even longer.
Q: Is chicken wire good for keeping out predators?
A: Standard chicken wire will keep chickens in and deter some predators, but determined predators like raccoons and foxes can sometimes break through. For maximum protection, consider using hardware cloth instead.
What is the Best Material for a Chicken Wire?
Poultry netting is usually made of metal or plastic.
- Metal chicken wire: Typically made from galvanized steel wire woven into hexagons. The galvanized metal protects against corrosion and offers increased durability. Despite its strength, chicken wire is highly flexible and easy to install as a fence in a DIY project.
- Plastic chicken wire: Easier both to install and maintain than metal, plastic chicken wire can be cut to fit specific projects more easily. What’s more, no sharp edges after cutting the plastic chicken netting means it is safe around children, pets, and livestock.
As well as choosing between metal and plastic chicken wire, you will have to consider wire gauge, weave size and height and length.
- Gauge size: Thicker chicken wire is stronger, and its gauge number is smaller than thinner chicken wire. As a rule of thumb, the lower the number, the thicker the gauge.
- Fence weave size: The smaller the holes in the chicken wire fencing the more protection it provides by keeping smaller pests out.
- Chicken fence height and length: Find chicken wire in a range of lengths and heights to get the right amount of fencing for the job at hand.
The Benefits of Chicken Wire Fencing
Chicken wire, sometimes referred to as poultry netting, has a range of uses outside of protecting your flock of chickens. As well as keeping chickens safely in their run and helping to keep predators out, a chicken wire fence can also safeguard your vegetable or flower garden from smaller hungry pests.
Use poultry netting to give your yard general protection from raccoons, skunks and other critters that love to make a mess, or to create enclosures for pets like dogs, rabbits and more. It is important to know that welded wire fencing is more durable and a better choice for protecting against larger predators, like foxes. You can even use chicken wire for crafts and to provide a barrier around dangerous machinery in a garage or workshop to keep younger family members safe.