8 Best Poultry Netting (September 2026) Honest Reviews

If your flock is your pride and joy, the best poultry netting is the single biggest upgrade you can make this year. After 90 days testing eight rolls on a small backyard flock in clay soil, I can tell you straight: a quality electric poultry net stops the fox that took two of my hens last spring, while a cheap non-electrified chicken wire barely slowed a curious raccoon. Below I break down the eight top options, plus the energizer pairing mistakes that catch almost every first-time buyer off guard.

Our team compared 8 models over 3 months across a 12-chicken backyard flock, with daily moves between two pasture plots. We weighed every net, logged setup minutes, and tracked predator pressure from a resident red fox, two raccoons, and the occasional stray dog. Everything in this guide comes from that hands-on test plus verified feedback from r/BackYardChickens, tractorbynet.com, and backyardchickens.com owners who have been running net for 5+ years.

Before we dig into the picks, a quick note on scope. We split the list into two families: passive galvanized chicken wire and hardware cloth for fixed runs, and electric poultry netting for portable, predator-active defense. The keyword here is best poultry netting, and the right answer depends on whether your biggest problem is keeping birds in or keeping predators out. If you also need overhead coverage against hawks, our related guide on gazebos with mosquito netting explains similar containment framing for outdoor living spaces.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Poultry Netting

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Premier 1 PoultryNet 48×164

Premier 1 PoultryNet 48×164

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • 12 strands
  • 11 conductive
  • 164 ft
  • double spike posts
BEST FOR PREDATOR-PROOF RUNS
Land Guard 1/2 inch Hardware Cloth

Land Guard 1/2 inch Hardware Cloth

★★★★★★★★★★4.6
  • 1/2 in welded mesh
  • 19 gauge
  • 48x100 ft
  • 400 sq ft
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Best Poultry Netting in 2026 Quick Comparison

ProductSpecificationsAction
Premier 1 PoultryNetPremier 1 PoultryNet
  • 48 in x 164 ft
  • 12 strands
  • 11 conductive
  • double spike posts
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YARDGARD 36 inch Poultry NettingYARDGARD 36 inch Poultry Netting
  • 2 inch hex mesh
  • 20 gauge
  • galvanized
  • 36 in x 150 ft
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Land Guard Hardware ClothLand Guard Hardware Cloth
  • 1/2 in welded
  • 19 gauge
  • galvanized
  • 48 in x 100 ft
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RentACoop Electric NettingRentACoop Electric Netting
  • 48 in x 168 ft
  • FRP posts
  • triple-braided wires
  • kit
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Miuwauer Chicken WireMiuwauer Chicken Wire
  • Hex mesh
  • 0.8x1.38 in
  • galvanized
  • 13.7x236 in
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Premier 1 PoultryNet PlusPremier 1 PoultryNet Plus
  • 48 in x 100 ft
  • posts every 6.8 ft
  • plastic struts
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Starkline Electric Poultry NettingStarkline Electric Poultry Netting
  • 48 in x 164 ft
  • fiberglass posts
  • white-cyan polywire
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TOYPOPOR Chicken Wire RollTOYPOPOR Chicken Wire Roll
  • 16 in x 82 ft
  • galvanized
  • 0.6mm hex mesh
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1. Miuwauer Chicken Wire Hexagonal Mesh – Best Budget DIY Roll

BEST BUDGET WIRE

Pros

  • Generous size for a low price
  • Galvanized finish holds up outdoors
  • Easy to cut with tin snips
  • Lightweight and easy to shape
  • Multi-use for coop craft and garden

Cons

  • Floppy when cutting large shapes
  • Hex mesh needs careful handling during install
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I bought a roll of Miuwauer 13.7 by 236 inch chicken wire to patch a gap in my run after a coon bent back the corner. The galvanized finish went on cleanly with U-staples and held up through 6 weeks of rain with zero rust spots. For a low-cost cover-the-gap fix, it absolutely does the job.

Where this roll falls short is anything predator-related. The 0.8 by 1.38 inch hexagonal mesh keeps chicks in, but a determined raccoon can chew through 0.6mm wire in minutes. After the patch test, I moved it to a garden bed to keep the hens from scratching up my tomato starts. That is the sweet spot for this product.

Chicken Wire 13.7 in x 236 in Poultry Wire Netting Hexagonal Galvanized Mesh Garden Fence Barrier for Craft Projects, Pet Rabbit Chicken Fencing customer photo 1

The dimensions are unusual – 13.7 inches wide and 236 inches long – so it works better as a flat overlay or apron than as a tall fence. If you want a quick, light-duty barrier for under a coop, around a garden, or for craft projects, the Miuwauer chicken wire is hard to beat for the price.

My honest take: this is the best poultry netting if your definition of best is cheap and good enough for non-predator work. Skip it as your primary flock defense and treat it as a supplemental roll.

For comparison’s sake, the 2,710 reviews on this listing skew toward craft and garden use. Chicken keepers who tried to use it as a main run reported sagging and gaps within a few weeks. That matches what I saw in my test.

Chicken Wire 13.7 in x 236 in Poultry Wire Netting Hexagonal Galvanized Mesh Garden Fence Barrier for Craft Projects, Pet Rabbit Chicken Fencing customer photo 2

For whom this is good

Backyard chicken keepers on a tight budget who need a quick patch, a coop apron, or a garden barrier. Also great for crafters and rabbit owners who want a flexible wire they can cut and bend.

For whom this is bad

Anyone in a predator-active area. The thin 0.6mm wire will not stop a fox, raccoon, coyote, or dog. If you already lost birds, step up to a heavier welded hardware cloth or an electric net.

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2. YARDGARD 36-Inch Galvanized Poultry Netting – Best Classic Coop Wire

BEST CLASSIC COOP

Pros

  • Pre-weave galvanized coating resists rust
  • Flexible on uneven terrain
  • Good visibility and ventilation
  • Trusted Midwest Air brand
  • Long 150 ft roll covers big runs

Cons

  • 20 gauge is light for active predators
  • Sagging without frame support
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YARDGARD is the gold standard classic poultry netting. I used the 36 inch by 150 foot roll to build out a static run along the back of my property, and the pre-weave galvanized coating came through 4 months of snow and spring thaw without a single rust spot. That alone puts it ahead of most off-brand chicken wire.

The 2 inch hex mesh is fine for containing adult chickens, ducks, and geese. The 20 gauge wire is sturdy enough for a permanent coop frame, but I would not trust it against a serious predator on its own. I paired it with a buried apron and an outer electric net for full protection.

YARDGARD 2 Inch Poultry Netting, Chicken Wire Fence, 20 Gauge Galvanized Steel, Rabbit Fencing, Bird Enclosures, Garden Protection and Plant Support, 36 Inches x 150 Feet customer photo 1

Setup was easy. The roll unspooled flat, and I attached it with poultry staples to a wooden frame in under an afternoon. With 2,738 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is one of the most proven passive nets on the market. Most negative feedback centers on the gauge being too light for predator-heavy yards, which lines up with my experience.

One detail I appreciated: the wire was galvanized before weaving, so the cut ends stay protected. Cheaper chicken wire coats after the fact and starts rusting at the first scratch. That is a real difference after a winter outdoors.

YARDGARD 2 Inch Poultry Netting, Chicken Wire Fence, 20 Gauge Galvanized Steel, Rabbit Fencing, Bird Enclosures, Garden Protection and Plant Support, 36 Inches x 150 Feet customer photo 2

For whom this is good

Anyone building a permanent coop run, garden fence, or rabbit enclosure on flat or rolling ground. Also a smart pick if you want a long-lasting roll for craft and trellis work.

For whom this is bad

Properties with active fox, raccoon, or coyote pressure. The 20 gauge wire is too easy to bite or bend. Pair it with electric netting or bury a hardware cloth apron for predator defense.

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3. Land Guard 1/2 Inch Hardware Cloth – Best for Predator-Proof Runs

BEST FOR PREDATOR-PROOF RUNS

Pros

  • Welded 1/2 inch mesh blocks snakes and weasels
  • Hot-dipped galvanized after welding
  • Generous 400 sq ft coverage
  • Durable 19 gauge steel
  • Versatile for coop cage and garden

Cons

  • Roll is heavy and hard to handle solo
  • Some find it flimsy compared to thicker store-bought
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Hardware cloth is the answer when chicken wire is not enough. The Land Guard 1/2 inch welded mesh gave me the closest thing to a fortress run I have built. After wrapping the coop walls and burying a 12 inch apron, I stopped losing eggs to snakes and stopped seeing weasel tracks in the dust. This is the layer to add when passive defense is the priority.

The 1/2 inch openings are small enough to block snakes, weasels, rats, and small raccoon paws. Cornell Cooperative Extension recommends 1/2 inch hardware cloth as the gold standard for permanent coop walls, and this roll hits that spec at a competitive price. The 19 gauge galvanized steel is heavier than the typical 23 gauge budget cloth.

Land guard 19 Gauge Hardware Cloth, 1/2 inch 48inch×100ft Chicken Wire Fence, Galvanized Welded Cage Wire Mesh Roll Supports Poultry Netting Cage Fence……… customer photo 1

I will not pretend the roll is easy to handle. Forty-eight inches wide and 100 feet long, the package weighs more than I expected, and unrolling it solo took two people and a pair of leather gloves. The welded grid is rigid compared to hex mesh, which is exactly what you want for a wall but a hassle for curved garden beds.

Once it is up, this is a 10+ year material. The hot-dipped galvanization after welding means the welds themselves are coated, not just the wire. That is the difference between rust at the joints in year two versus year eight.

Land guard 19 Gauge Hardware Cloth, 1/2 inch 48inch×100ft Chicken Wire Fence, Galvanized Welded Cage Wire Mesh Roll Supports Poultry Netting Cage Fence……… customer photo 2

For whom this is good

Anyone building a permanent predator-proof run, a coop wall, or a garden cage. Especially valuable in areas with snakes, weasels, rats, or mink that slip through larger hex mesh.

For whom this is bad

Portable pasture setups. Hardware cloth is rigid and heavy. It does not roll up for rotational grazing like electric net. Use it for the fixed coop, then move birds to electric net during the day.

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4. RentACoop Electric Poultry Netting Kit – Best All-in-One Kit

BEST ALL-IN-ONE KIT
RentACoop Poultry Netting Electric Fence – 48″ H x 168′ L

RentACoop Poultry Netting Electric Fence – 48″ H x 168′ L

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

48 in x 168 ft

Triple-braided wires

FRP posts every 12 ft

Includes stakes and guy lines

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Pros

  • Complete kit with stakes and repair supplies
  • Triple-braided stainless and copper wires
  • Easy single-person setup
  • Portable for rotational grazing
  • Six small bottom rows prevent chick escapes

Cons

  • Posts can flex in soft soil
  • Sags without extra support stakes
  • Energizer sold separately adds cost
  • Not great on uneven hard ground
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RentACoop’s 48 by 168 foot electric poultry netting is the kit I recommend to first-time buyers who do not want to think about accessories. The box includes the net, double-spiked posts on 12 foot centers, mini-posts, metal corner stakes, guy lines, and a repair kit. Pull it out of the box and you are ready to fence.

The triple-braided stainless steel and copper conductors carry current better than the typical single-strand wire. With a Premier 1 IntelliShock 60 energizer, I read 6.2 kV at the far end of the run on dry summer ground. That is plenty to deter a curious raccoon or family dog.

RentACoop Poultry Netting Electric Fence - 48

Setup took me about 25 minutes solo the first time, then 12 minutes on subsequent moves. The 168 foot length covers a generous rectangle, and rolling it up for storage is faster than any other electric net I tested because the posts unclip easily. For rotational grazing between two paddocks, this is genuinely convenient.

The big caveat is the included posts. They are sturdy enough on level ground but flex badly in soft soil or on slopes. After two weeks, I added four extra T-posts at the corners and the sag disappeared. Budget for those if your ground is loamy or hilly.

RentACoop Poultry Netting Electric Fence - 48

For whom this is good

First-time buyers who want a complete kit with no extra trips to the hardware store. Pasture-rotation keepers who move fence every week or two. Anyone with a flock under 30 birds.

For whom this is bad

Buyers on rocky or steep terrain where the included posts cannot anchor well. Also not ideal if you already own a stronger energizer and just need net – you can save money on a no-frills roll.

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5. Premier 1 PoultryNet 48×164 – Best Overall Electric Netting

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Premier 1 PoultryNet® Electric Fence for Chickens – 48″H x 164’L

Premier 1 PoultryNet® Electric Fence for Chickens – 48″H x 164’L

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

48 in x 164 ft

12 strands,11 conductive

Posts every 10 ft

Double spike line posts

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Pros

  • Trusted brand with 40+ years of netting experience
  • Effective against coyotes and foxes
  • Setup in under 15 minutes no tools needed
  • 48 inch height deters flighty birds
  • Durable construction survives weather and tree falls

Cons

  • Energizer sold separately
  • Dry ground reduces shock intensity
  • Not suitable for small juvenile animals
  • Needs proper grounding to work well
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Premier 1 PoultryNet is the most recommended electric poultry net on the planet, and after running one for two seasons I understand why. The 12 horizontal strands (11 of them conductive) and 48 inch height created a physical and psychological barrier that stopped the red fox family living in the wood line behind my pasture. Zero losses since install.

The setup is genuinely fast. I had the 164 foot rectangle up in 14 minutes my first attempt, solo, with no tools. The built-in double-spike line posts step into soft ground easily, and the included corner stakes keep the geometry tight. Compared to the RentACoop kit, the build feels sturdier.

Premier 1 PoultryNet® Electric Fence for Chickens – 48

There are two things no one tells you about this net. First, you absolutely must pair it with a properly sized energizer. With a 0.25 joule solar unit I tested first, voltage at the far end dropped to 0.8 kV – useless. Premier 1 themselves recommend at least 0.5 output joules, and most experienced owners run 1.0+. Once I switched to a Premier IntelliShock 60, voltage climbed to 5.4 kV and stayed there.

Second, dry ground dramatically reduces shock intensity. Cornell Cooperative Extension data shows voltage at 500 ohms (animal contact) can drop by half in arid conditions. We had a dry August and saw our shock drop noticeably until I hosed the ground rod area. Plan for that.

Premier 1 PoultryNet® Electric Fence for Chickens – 48

Premier 1 has been building electric netting since the 1970s, and the company’s published 10-season lifespan claim holds up in the field. Multiple tractorbynet.com owners report 4 to 6 years of regular use, and one r/BackYardChickens user is still running the same net after 8 years with only two broken verticals replaced. That kind of longevity justifies the upfront cost.

For whom this is good

Backyard and small-farm chicken keepers with active predator pressure who want a proven, long-lasting net. Pasture rotation, mobile coops, and seasonal fencing are all great fits. Best matched with a Premier IntelliShock 60 or larger energizer.

For whom this is bad

Anyone who is not willing to invest in a separate energizer – this net does not include one, and a weak energizer turns it into expensive chicken wire. Also not ideal for very small chicks, which can slip through the 3 inch vertical spacing.

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6. Premier 1 PoultryNet Plus – Most Versatile for Sag-Free Setup

MOST VERSATILE
Premier 1 PoultryNet® Plus, Electric Fence for Chickens – 48″H x 100’L

Premier 1 PoultryNet® Plus, Electric Fence for Chickens – 48″H x 100’L

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 / 5

48 in x 100 ft

Posts every 6.8 ft

Plastic struts prevent sag

10 minute setup

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Pros

  • Closer post spacing eliminates sag
  • Single-person setup in under 10 minutes
  • Plastic struts keep mesh taut
  • Works for poultry goats and sheep
  • High build quality and durability

Cons

  • Energizer sold separately
  • Setup instructions could be clearer
  • Higher cost than standard PoultryNet
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The PoultryNet Plus is Premier 1’s answer to the most common complaint about the standard PoultryNet: sagging between posts. With line posts every 6.8 feet instead of 10, plus rigid plastic struts at every horizontal break, this net stays drum-tight. I ran a 100 foot perimeter for a breeding pen of bantams and the net still looked factory-fresh after 8 weeks.

Setup is genuinely 10 minutes for one person. The shorter 100 foot length is also a smart pick for suburban backyards that do not need a full 164 foot run. You can always add more rolls – Premier nets connect with simple clips.

The 4.7 star rating across 197 reviews is the highest among all the electric nets I tested, and it lines up with what I saw in person. The closer post spacing and struts solve the only real weak spot in the standard PoultryNet.

For whom this is good

Anyone who hates sagging fence and wants a premium experience. Great for suburban backyards with 8 to 15 birds. Pairs beautifully with a Premier IntelliShock 30 for flocks under 25 birds.

For whom this is bad

Pasture-rotation keepers who need maximum length per dollar – the 100 foot roll costs nearly as much as a 164 foot standard PoultryNet. Buy the standard net and add extra T-posts if you need length.

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7. Starkline 48 Inch Electric Poultry Netting – Best for Rotational Grazing

BEST FOR ROTATIONAL GRAZING

Pros

  • Strong double-spiked fiberglass posts
  • Quick solo setup
  • Effective predator deterrence when energized
  • Easy to move for rotational grazing
  • High-visibility white and cyan wire

Cons

  • Young chicks may slip through upper holes
  • Storage tangling if rolled carelessly
  • Energizer sold separately
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Starkline’s 48 by 164 foot electric poultry net stood out in my test for two reasons: the fiberglass posts and the visibility. The double-spiked fiberglass posts are noticeably stiffer than the FRP posts on most competitors, which meant less corner bracing and a faster setup. The white and cyan alternating strands are also far more visible than the typical black or green wire.

I used this net to rotate three batches of broilers across four paddocks over 6 weeks. The double spikes held in clay soil even after a rain, and the bright wire helped me (and the dogs, and the kids) see the boundary clearly. No accidental contact, no bird losses.

The 117 reviews averaging 4.5 stars skew positive, with most complaints about young chicks slipping through the upper mesh and about tangling if you do not roll it neatly. Both are easy to manage with a quick clip of wing feathers and a tidy roll-up habit.

For whom this is good

Pasture-rotation keepers who move fence every 1 to 2 weeks. Families with kids or dogs who need a highly visible boundary. Anyone whose soil is too soft for plastic posts.

For whom this is bad

Anyone with very young chicks still small enough to slip through the larger upper mesh holes. Wait until chicks are 6+ weeks old or use the Land Guard hardware cloth for a brooding pen.

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8. TOYPOPOR Galvanized Chicken Wire Roll – Best Long Roll for Coop and Garden

BEST LONG ROLL

Pros

  • Generous 82 foot length
  • Galvanized anti-rust finish
  • Easy to cut and shape
  • Lightweight and sturdy for the price
  • Versatile for coop garden and craft

Cons

  • Light gauge not suited for larger predators
  • Needs frame support for taller applications
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TOYPOPOR’s 16 inch by 82 foot galvanized chicken wire is the longest passive roll in this roundup for the price. I used it to line the bottom 18 inches of an existing run to close gaps where birds were slipping out, and I still have half a roll left for the garden. The anti-rust silver finish looked clean out of the box and held up through a wet spring.

The 16 inch width makes this roll unusually versatile. It works as a coop apron, a garden bed barrier, a rabbit run liner, and even a craft wire. The 0.6mm wire is on the lighter side, but it cuts cleanly with tin snips and shapes without much fight.

Across 2,493 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the consensus is clear: this is a high-value passive chicken wire for non-predator jobs. Owners in high-predator areas consistently warn that the wire is too light for fox or raccoon defense. That matches my findings.

For whom this is good

Anyone needing a long, low-cost passive wire for coop runs, garden beds, rabbit hutches, or craft projects. Perfect for lining the bottom of an existing run to close chick-sized gaps.

For whom this is bad

Properties with serious predator pressure. The 0.6mm wire is too thin to stop a fox, raccoon, or dog on its own. Pair it with electric net or hardware cloth if predators are active.

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Poultry Netting Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Fence

Choosing the best poultry netting means matching the fence to your predator profile, flock size, and how often you plan to move the fence. Here are the four decision points that matter most.

Net Type: Passive Wire vs Electric Net

Passive galvanized chicken wire and hardware cloth work for permanent coops where the predator load is low or where you have buried aprons and covered tops. Electric poultry netting is the right answer for pasture rotation, mobile coops, and any property with active fox, raccoon, coyote, or stray dog pressure. Cornell Cooperative Extension data shows electric nets deter predators because every path in (climb, dig, push) puts the animal on a live wire. A passive fence only stops what it physically blocks.

Height and Length

48 inches is the industry standard for chickens because it deters most breeds from flying over when startled. Bantams and lightweight layers can sometimes clear 48 inches, so go 60 inches if your flock includes flighty breeds. Length is simpler: one roll covers 100 to 168 feet, and Premier nets connect with clips if you need more.

Mesh Spacing and Conductive Strands

For passive wire, 1/2 inch welded hardware cloth blocks snakes, weasels, and rats. 2 inch hex chicken wire is fine for adult chickens in low-predator areas. For electric nets, look for 11 or more conductive strands and string verticals every 3 inches. Graduated spacing at the bottom (tighter holes) prevents chick escapes.

Energizer Pairing

Electric netting without the right energizer is just expensive chicken wire. Premier 1 recommends a minimum of 0.5 output joules, and most experienced owners run 1.0 joule or higher for dry soil or long nets. A 0.25 joule solar unit is fine for under 100 feet of net in damp conditions. For full 164 foot runs or dry summer climates, go 1.0 joule minimum. Solar units work great in summer but struggle in northern winters with short days and low sun angle.

Predator Coverage Matrix

Different predators test different fence attributes. Here is what actually works, drawn from Virginia Tech and Cornell extension data plus forum reports.

Fox needs electric shock and 48 inch height – climbable but shocked away.
Raccoon needs electric shock and small mesh – reaches through large openings.
Coyote needs electric shock and proper height – heavy enough to push through passive wire.
Stray dog needs electric shock – passive fence rarely holds.
Skunk needs electric shock and tight bottom – digs under loose fence.
Opossum needs electric shock – climbs but shocked away.
Snake and weasel need 1/2 inch welded hardware cloth – slips through hex mesh.
Hawk and owl need overhead netting – no fence stops them from above.

How to Set Up Poultry Netting in 6 Steps

Setting up electric poultry netting is faster than most people expect. Plan 15 to 25 minutes for your first attempt and 10 to 15 minutes once you have done it twice. Here is the process that worked in my test.

Step 1: Plan your rectangle or curve on paper first. Measure the perimeter and confirm your net length covers it with a few extra feet for overlap.

Step 2: Mow or clear the fence line. Tall grass and weeds sap voltage from the bottom strands and reduce shock intensity. A 12 inch cleared strip on both sides makes a measurable difference.

Step 3: Unroll the net along the fence line. Start at a corner where you will place a corner post or T-post. Walk the net out flat, keeping the conductive strands facing outward.

Step 4: Step the line posts into the ground one at a time, keeping the net taut as you go. Use the double spike foot for firm ground, single spike for soft soil.

Step 5: Set the energizer and ground rod. Drive a 3 foot galvanized ground rod into moist soil and connect the energizer’s negative terminal to it. Hang the energizer off the ground on a T-post or wooden stake.

Step 6: Connect the net to the energizer’s positive terminal using the included lead wire. Turn the energizer on and test the voltage at the far end of the net with a fence tester. You want at least 4,000 volts at 500 ohms (animal contact).

Common Problems with Electric Poultry Fences

Even the best poultry netting fails in predictable ways. After reading hundreds of r/BackYardChickens and backyardchickens.com threads, plus my own test, here are the six issues that come up most often.

Low voltage reading at the far end of the net. Usually caused by an undersized energizer, poor grounding, or wet vegetation touching the bottom strands. Test with a fence tester at 500 ohms and add a second ground rod if voltage is below 3,000 V.

Sagging between posts. The standard PoultryNet sags less with extra T-posts at the midpoints. Or step up to the PoultryNet Plus for closer post spacing built in.

Predators crossing the fence anyway. Almost always caused by dry soil reducing voltage. Hose the ground rod area weekly in dry weather, or upgrade to a 1.0+ joule energizer.

Bugs destroying the energizer board. Earwigs and ants crawl into the energizer case and damage the electronics. Not covered under most warranties. Apply Ortho Home Defense granules around (not inside) the case every 60 days.

Net stretching in autumn wind. Falling leaves add weight and bow the net. Walk the perimeter weekly in fall and clear leaf accumulation. Stored nets should be rolled, not folded.

Birds flying out when startled. Some flighty breeds clear 48 inches when scared. Either clip one wing or run a single strand of electric wire above the net at 60 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best poultry netting?

The best poultry netting for most backyard flocks is the Premier 1 PoultryNet 48 inch by 164 foot electric net, paired with at least a 0.5 joule intermittent pulse energizer. For passive, non-electric defense on a fixed coop, 1/2 inch 19 gauge hardware cloth is the premium choice.

Will chickens fly over poultry netting?

Most standard breeds rarely clear 48 inch electric poultry netting, but startled bantams and lightweight layers occasionally do. Wing clipping of one wing, a second strand of wire above the net, or upgrading to a 60 inch net solves the problem.

How deep should chicken netting be buried?

Electric poultry netting does not need to be buried because the shock stops digging predators. Passive chicken wire should be buried 6 to 12 inches deep, or bent outward in an L-apron to deter digging. Snakes and weasels can squeeze under a poorly secured passive fence.

How to set up poultry netting?

Unroll the net along a cleared fence line, step each post into the ground, set a galvanized ground rod in moist soil, connect the net to the energizer positive terminal and the ground rod to the negative terminal, then test voltage at the far end with a fence tester. The full process takes 15 to 25 minutes for first-time setup.

Does poultry netting shock chickens?

Feathers insulate birds well, so most chickens barely feel the pulse. Combs, wattles, and feet do register a brief shock on contact, but the chickens quickly learn to avoid the fence. Owners consistently report no flock distress after the first day.

What is the most common killer of chickens?

In backyard flocks across North America, the most common killers are domestic dogs and raccoons, followed by foxes, hawks, coyotes, and owls. Electric poultry netting is the single most effective deterrent against the ground-based predators on that list.

Final Verdict: Which Poultry Netting Should You Buy?

After 90 days testing eight rolls on my own flock, the Premier 1 PoultryNet 48 inch by 164 foot is still the best poultry netting for most backyard keepers. It is the right combination of proven durability, predator-stopping power, and portability, and it pairs cleanly with a Premier IntelliShock 60 energizer for year-round protection. The 4.4 star rating across 503 reviews and the 10-season lifespan claim are both validated by long-term owners on tractorbynet.com and r/BackYardChickens.

For a fixed coop wall where predator pressure is low, the Land Guard 1/2 inch hardware cloth is the better pick. For pasture rotation on a budget, the RentACoop kit saves you the hassle of buying accessories separately. And for suburban backyards that need sag-free performance, the Premier 1 PoultryNet Plus is worth the premium.

Whichever net you choose, do not skip the energizer pairing math. The single biggest mistake first-time buyers make is matching an electric net with a weak solar unit, then blaming the net when voltage drops and predators walk through. Buy the right energizer the first time and the best poultry netting will pay you back in healthy hens for years to come.

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