Will chicken wire fence keep rabbits out?

Chicken wire fencing can provide a deterrent against rabbits, but it is not guaranteed to fully exclude them from gardens or yards. Here are some key factors to consider:

Mesh Size

The small 1/2 to 1 inch openings in standard chicken wire could potentially allow young, smaller rabbits to squeeze through. Adult cottontail rabbits can fit through surprisingly small spaces. As rabbits grow bigger, they are less likely to fit through the mesh.

Burrowing Under Fence

Rabbits are notorious diggers and can easily burrow under a fence line to gain entry. Chicken wire has an open bottom edge, allowing rabbits to dig underneath if not secured. Burying a portion of the fence can help deter this.

Chewing Through

Persistent rabbits may nibble and chew on chicken wire, eventually chewing a hole large enough to fit through. The thin gauge of chicken wire is not very resistant to chewing damage.

Jumping Ability

Chicken wire fencing is typically only 3 to 5 feet tall. Depending on the species, rabbits can jump as high as 3-4 feet, allowing them to bound right over shorter chicken wire fences.

Motivation to Access Garden

The allure of accessing a lush garden may entice rabbits to find any means possible to breach a chicken wire barrier. Hungry and persistent rabbits can be very motivated.

So while chicken wire provides a physical barrier that can deter rabbit entry, it does have limitations that may allow rabbits to still find their way into an enclosed area. Using additional deterrents and prevention methods along with chicken wire fencing is recommended for best results.

Tips for Using Chicken Wire for Rabbits

Here are some tips to increase the effectiveness of chicken wire fencing for excluding rabbits:

Bury the bottom edge

Burying several inches of chicken wire underground prevents rabbits from digging underneath. Alternatively, bending the bottom edge of the fence outward in an “L” shape also discourages digging.

Use 1/2″ mesh size

Opt for 1/2″ openings rather than 1″ openings to exclude more small rabbits. However, this still may not stop young bunnies.

Add height with posts

Increase fence height by running chicken wire between taller posts. Aim for at least 4 feet high.

Secure tops and edges

Prevent rabbits from pushing under loose edges by tightly securing the chicken wire to fence posts and framing. Use additional wire, zip ties, or metal clips as needed.

Double up layers

Overlay two layers of chicken wire to make it more difficult for rabbits to chew through.

Use sturdier fencing on bottom

Substitute stronger welded wire or hardware cloth on the lower portion of the fence where rabbits are most likely to attempt entry.

Incorporate landscaping barriers

Plant prickly shrubs or spread gravel, mulch, or rocks around the base of the fence to discourage approach.

Apply repellent spray

Treat the fence perimeter with a rabbit repellent spray to deter chewing and approach. Reapply frequently.

Scare with predators

Place predator decoys like hawk silhouettes or plastic owls nearby to frighten rabbits. Or use predator urine like coyote or fox urine on fence posts.

Alternative Fencing Options for Rabbits

For more robust perimeter fencing that is proven to effectively keep rabbits out of gardens and yards, some alternative options include:

Welded Wire Fencing

Galvanized welded wire fencing has smaller 1″ x 2″ openings that exclude small rabbits. It holds up better than chicken wire against chewing. Opt for a 1/2″ x 1″ welded wire mesh for even greater protection.

Hardware Cloth

Galvanized metal hardware cloth has 1/4″ openings that rabbits cannot penetrate. More expensive than chicken wire but provides maximum strength.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fences uses interwoven metal wire loops to create a sturdy barrier. Durable and provides a long-lasting rabbit deterrent when installed properly.

Wood Fences

Wood privacy fences using thick vertical boards spaced closely together prevents rabbits from squeezing through gaps. Durable hardwoods like cedar resist chewing damage.

Vinyl-Coated Wire Fencing

Vinyl-coated wire fencing adds protective plastic to galvanized wire for longer lasting defense against corrosion and chewing animals. A strong, low-maintenance option for rabbit exclusion.

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing uses intermittent, low voltage pulses to shock animals that touch wires. Effective for rabbits but requires special installation.

Pick fencing with small openings, sufficient height, and robust construction to effectively exclude persistent rabbits. Match fencing choice to the specific needs of your property and garden space.

Landscaping Barriers Against Rabbits

In addition to fencing, using landscaping barriers can help fortify the perimeter against rabbit intrusion. Combining fencing with the following perimeter landscaping tactics creates layered defenses:

Thorny shrubs –

Plant prickly bushes like barberry, blackberry, pyracantha, and rose to discourage rabbit approach near fences. Opt for double-planted rows.

Unpalatable plants –

Herbs like lavender, thyme, parsley, and oregano repel rabbits with their strong scent and flavor. Interplant these around the garden’s edge.

Irritant mulches –

Coarse wood chips, lava rock, and sharp gravel mulches are uncomfortable for rabbits to walk across. Maintain 3-foot wide swaths along fences.

Taste repellents –

Sprinkle cayenne pepper, garlic powder, meat tenderizer, vinegar, or bitter orange on fence perimeters to deter chewing and digging. Reapply after rain.

Scent repellents –

Apply commercial rabbit repellent sprays based on putrescent egg, hot pepper, or predator urine around vulnerable areas. Reapply every 1-2 weeks.

Motion scare devices –

Install flashing lights, noise makers, or water spray devices that activate with motion sensors to startle approaching rabbits.

A combination of fencing and landscaping precautions provides optimal 24/7 rabbit defense to protect gardens.

When to Use Chicken Wire for Rabbits

Here are some situations where chicken wire fencing may be a good choice for rabbits:

Temporary or seasonal barriers – Easy to set up as a short-term deterrent.
Protecting low-value crops – Can help deter minor grazing damage to robust veggies.

Companion to stronger fencing – Adds affordability for large enclosures when combined with sturdier perimeter fencing.
Discouraging initial rabbit invasion – Provides a first line of defense that rabbits must breach before accessing the garden.
Fencing off burrows – Prevents rabbits from accessing burrows near structures.

Excluding fenced tree trunks – Wraps around tree trunks to prevent bark chewing damage.
Protecting landscape beds – Helps obstruct rabbit access to flower beds and shrubs.

The ease and affordability of chicken wire makes it a practical choice for temporary usage or low-to-medium impact rabbit control. For permanent robust exclusion, upgrade to stronger welded or hardware cloth fencing.

Risks and Downsides of Chicken Wire Fencing

While very convenient and affordable, some drawbacks come with using chicken wire for rabbits:

Not durable enough for long-term use
Prone to corrosion over time

Thin gauge is easily chewed through
Sharp cut edges can be dangerous
Easy for rabbits to push underneath

Must be reinforced with landscaping barriers
Not guaranteed to fully exclude rabbits
Can trap and entangle other small animals

Chicken wire also requires diligent maintenance checking for holes, digging activity, or sections pulled loose by animals. For critical garden protection, the extra upfront investment in sturdier fencing often pays off long-term.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key tips to remember about using chicken wire fencing to deter rabbits:

Overlap two layers or incorporate stronger fencing at the base where rabbits try to breach.

Bury edges, secure tightly to posts, and add height to reduce gaps.
Combine with landscaping barriers like irritant plants and mulches.
Check regularly and repair any holes or gaps chewed in the wire.

Do not rely on chicken wire as the sole exclusion method for a valuable garden.
Pair with other fencing and scare devices for stronger protection.
View it as a temporary, seasonal deterrent rather than a permanent barrier.

Chicken wire can discourage rabbit access when used properly but should not be the only defensive measure for an important garden space. Include multiple precautions for the most effective rabbit-proofing results. With strategic installation and vigilant maintenance, chicken wire can provide affordable supplementary protection against rabbit invasion.

Conclusion

Chicken wire fencing can deter rabbits and limit grazing damage but is not 100% effective at preventing rabbit access, especially over the long-term. Its small openings may allow entry of young rabbits, and persistent rabbits can chew through or dig under weaker chicken wire. While useful as an temporary, low-cost deterrent, chicken wire works best when paired with additional fencing, landscaping barriers, and other rabbit-proofing tactics to provide robust multi-layer defense against rabbit intrusion. With its ease of use and affordability, chicken wire is a good supplementary option as part of an integrated rabbit control strategy but does carry some risks if relied on as the sole exclusion method.

Quick Answer

What is Chicken Wire?