Chicken Run Fence Calculator: Materials & Predator-Proofing
A chicken fence has to keep birds in and predators out. Height (4 to 6 feet) stops most chickens, but raccoons, foxes, and dogs dig and reach through. The real protection comes from small-mesh wire and a buried apron around the base.
Quick Calculator
Posts
13
Concrete
26
Mesh Rolls (50 ft)
2
Rails
10
Est. Cost
$800–$1,500
Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire
Chicken wire keeps chickens in but raccoons can tear through it. Use 1/2-inch galvanized hardware cloth on at least the bottom 3 feet of the run.
Add a buried apron
Bury the wire 12 inches deep or lay a 24-inch apron flat on the ground extending outward, pinned down and covered with soil. This stops most digging predators.
Run size
A common guideline is about 10 square feet of run space per standard-size bird. Six hens need around 60 square feet, so a 6×10 or 8×8 run, which works out to roughly 32 feet of fence.
Example: 100 Feet of Chain Link
A typical chicken fence of 100 feet using chain link fencing needs about 13 posts (including one gate) and 26 bags of concrete, with materials around $800–$1,500. Change the length and type in the calculator above to match your project.
Materials List – 100 ft of Chain Link
| Material | Qty | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Posts (4×4×6 ft) | 13 | $195 |
| Concrete Mix (60 lb bags) | 26 | $156 |
| Rails (2×4×10 ft) | 10 | $70 |
| Mesh Rolls (50 ft) | 2 | $140 |
| Total Estimated Materials | $800 – $1,500 |
Other Fence Projects
Recommended Materials
Pressure-Treated Fence Post 4×4×8
Ground-contact rated, ideal for all fence types.
$12 – $18
Cedar Dog-Ear Picket 1×6×6
Naturally rot-resistant, smooth on one side.
$3 – $6
Quikrete 60 lb Fast-Setting Concrete
Sets in 20-40 minutes. No mixing required.
$5 – $7
Post Hole Digger – Fiberglass Handle
Heavy-duty clamshell digger for clean holes.
$35 – $55
Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Bracket
Galvanized L-bracket for rail-to-post connections.
$4 – $8
Decorative Post Cap 4×4
Copper-top cap, fits standard 4×4 posts.
$5 – $12