How Much Does Chicken Wire Cost? A Detailed Price Breakdown

Chicken wire, also known as poultry netting, is an extremely versatile and economical fencing material used for a variety of purposes. But how much does a roll of chicken wire actually cost? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down chicken wire prices by gauge, mesh size, height, length, and other factors so you know exactly what to budget for your next project.

What is Chicken Wire?

Chicken wire consists of thin galvanized steel or aluminum wire woven into a mesh pattern with hexagonal shaped holes. It was originally created in the mid-1800s to house poultry and contain small livestock, hence the name “chicken wire.”

Nowadays, chicken wire is used for all kinds of applications beyond just housing chickens. Common uses include:

• Building enclosures for rabbits, goats, and other small animals
• Creating protective barriers for vegetable and flower gardens
• Lining the walls and ceilings of sheds and outbuildings to keep out rodents and pests
• Building cages and aviaries for birds
• Making decorative screens and partitions
• Securing air conditioning units and waste bins

Compared to more rigid wire fencing options, chicken wire is lightweight, easy to work with, and quick to install. It can be cut to any size and shaped around objects. Chicken wire rolls are often available at lumber yards, farm supply stores, and home improvement retailers.

Key Factors That Determine Chicken Wire Prices

Chicken wire prices primarily depend on four key factors

1. Gauge

Gauge refers to the wire diameter used to weave the mesh pattern The lower the gauge number, the thicker and heavier the wire. Common gauges for chicken wire range from 19 gauge to 22 gauge

Heavier gauges (19 to 20 gauge) are more durable and resistant to damage. They cost $15 to $45 per roll

Lighter gauges (21 to 22 gauge) are suitable for housing smaller animals and less demanding applications. They cost $10 to $30 per roll.

2. Mesh Hole Size

The mesh hole size determines how much space is between the wires. Typical mesh sizes are 1/2-inch, 1-inch, 1 1/2-inch, and 2-inches.

Smaller mesh holes (1/2 to 1 inch) are best for containing small birds and animals. They cost $15 to $40 per roll.

Larger mesh holes (1 1/2 to 2 inches) work for larger poultry and are good for gardening. They cost $10 to $35 per roll.

3. Height

Chicken wire height options commonly range from 2 feet up to 6 feet tall.

Shorter rolls (2 to 3 foot) are good for low enclosures. They run $15 to $30 per roll.

Taller rolls (4 to 6 feet) work for large coops and runs. They range from $25 to $150 per roll.

4. Length

Chicken wire is sold in lengths from 10 feet up to 150 feet.

Short rolls (10 to 25 feet) are convenient for small projects but cost more per foot. Expect to pay $15 to $40 for a short roll.

Long rolls (50 to 150 feet) offer better value for larger areas and run $25 to $150 per roll.

Average Price Per Roll Based on Size

Taking all the factors above into consideration, here are the average price ranges you can expect to pay for common chicken wire roll sizes:

• 2 ft x 10 ft roll – $15 to $25
• 2 ft x 25 ft roll – $20 to $40
• 3 ft x 25 ft roll – $25 to $45
• 4 ft x 25 ft roll – $30 to $55
• 2 ft x 50 ft roll – $30 to $60
• 3 ft x 50 ft roll – $35 to $75
• 4 ft x 50 ft roll – $40 to $90
• 6 ft x 50 ft roll – $55 to $120
• 2 ft x 100 ft roll – $50 to $120
• 4 ft x 100 ft roll – $75 to $150
• 6 ft x 150 ft roll – $120 to $250

Of course, prices vary between retailers and brands. But in general, expect to pay around $1 to $5 per linear foot depending on the gauge, mesh size, and roll dimensions.

Where to Buy Chicken Wire for the Best Prices

To get the most chicken wire for your money, here are some of the best places to shop:

• Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer competitive pricing and convenient online ordering. Many also provide installation services if needed.

• Farm supply retailers like Tractor Supply Co. and Rural King carry a wide selection of chicken wire ideal for agricultural use. Products cater towards ranchers and farmers.

• Hardware stores like Ace Hardware and True Value are great local sources for chicken wire rolls. Staff can provide advice and some stores will cut wire to custom lengths.

• Big box retailers like Walmart and Costco allow you to buy chicken wire alongside your regular shopping. Their low everyday prices make chicken wire even more budget-friendly.

• Specialty online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and Home Depot sell chicken wire with the convenience of home delivery. Look for free shipping options to maximize your savings.

Saving Money on Chicken Wire

Here are some tips to get quality chicken wire without breaking the bank:

• Buy the largest roll size you can reasonably use to get a better price per foot.

• Opt for a lighter gauge if the application doesn’t require ultra heavy-duty wire.

• Choose a roll with larger mesh holes if containing smaller animals or poultry.

• Take advantage of seasonal sales, coupons, and bulk purchase discounts when available.

• Consider galvanized steel over more expensive stainless steel. It still provides great rust resistance.

• Shop around between stores and online retailers to find the best deal.

• Buy off-brand, economy, or store brand chicken wire to save over name brands.

Is Chicken Wire Worth the Investment?

Thanks to its versatile nature and low cost, chicken wire offers an extremely economical solution for all kinds of animal enclosures, barriers, and guarding uses. The initial roll price pays for itself over time compared to constantly replacing makeshift or flimsy fencing materials.

Investing in high-quality chicken wire is worth the upfront cost considering its durable woven steel wire construction withstands the elements and animal damage. It’s easy to install, modify, and move chicken wire as needed for ever-changing projects and spaces.

So while chicken wire rolls require an initial investment, the long-lasting functionality and value they provide make it a purchase that will pay dividends for years to come. Knowing what size and type of chicken wire you need as well as where to get the best deals ensures you’ll get the most protective value within your budget.

For a more secure and durable option than chicken wire, hardware cloth is a much better choice.