If you’re getting ready to build a chicken house, one thing you will want to think about prior to building is the fencing options available to you. If you’re just looking to build a smaller mobile chicken house then you may not need a fence at all, but if you’re building a medium to large chicken coop, then it’s a very good idea.

The primary reason you need a fence around the house is to keep predators out and your chickens safe, but the fence also really helps give your chickens a bit more privacy and finishes off the look of the building.

Here are some things to know about chicken house fences.

Dig Them Low Into The Ground

First, be sure you’re building the fence down deep enough into the ground. If you don’t, it will be very easy for dogs and certain other types of animals to dig right underneath it and get at your chickens.

Ideally you should go two feet deep if possible, although this may not be an option in some locations.

Consider Wire Fences

Next, also consider using a wire fence over a wooden fence. While a wooden fence may look really nice, it doesn’t let in a lot of light, which could impact how comfortable the chickens are in the chicken coop.

The other nice thing about a wire fence is they do tend to be slightly sturdier than wooden fences if a predator does try and get in.

Make Sure It Provides You With Easy Access

While it’s of absolute importance that the fence protects your chickens against predators getting in, you also want to make sure you have easy access to get in to the house as well. If the fence makes it hard for you to go in and out, it’s going to make cleaning up the chicken house and giving food a big hassle.

A good secure door will easily solve this problem.

Build It Far Enough Away From The Coop

Finally, make sure you’re building the fence far enough away from the coop. You may want to create a chicken run right outside of the chicken house as well, which will allow your birds to get plenty of exercise when they need it.

Having more distance between the house and the fence will better allow for this, so be sure you don’t overlook this point.

Here is more information on how you can build a chicken house on a budget.