Building A Rabbit-Proof Fence for Your Chicken Run

Rabbits can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, dig beneath wire and exploit every weak corner of a poultry enclosure. Once inside a chicken run, they may damage young plants, undermine posts and create openings that allow foxes or rodents to enter.

A reliable barrier needs more than chicken wire stretched around the perimeter. The most effective design combines small-aperture mesh, a buried skirt, secure gates and regular inspections. It should protect hens, bantams, ducks and other birds without creating sharp edges or difficult cleaning areas.

Australian properties bring extra considerations. Sandy soil around Perth and Adelaide is easy for rabbits to excavate, while heavy clay near Melbourne can shift after wet weather. In Sydney’s outer suburbs, neighbouring gardens may already support large rabbit populations, and rural blocks near Canberra or regional New South Wales may need stronger protection from foxes as well.

Good fencing also supports bird welfare. Healthy poultry need dry footing, shade, ventilation and enough room to forage. A carefully planned enclosure reduces stress and keeps the run suitable for heritage breeds, active bantams and growing chicks.

Choose Mesh That Rabbits Cannot Defeat

Use galvanised welded wire mesh with openings no larger than 25 mm. A 13 mm aperture is safer for chicks and smaller bantams, while 25 mm mesh is usually suitable for adult chickens when the lower section is reinforced. Avoid ordinary chicken wire as the only defence: rabbits can push under it, and foxes can tear it more easily than welded wire.

A practical arrangement is heavy-gauge mesh around the lower 600 mm of the run, with larger poultry mesh above it if needed. Keep the wire tight against posts and avoid gaps at corners. Fold or cap exposed ends so birds cannot catch toes, wings or beaks on cut wire.

Build A Buried Barrier

Dig a trench 300–450 mm deep along the outside of the run. Set the mesh vertically into the trench, then backfill firmly with compacted soil and gravel. This approach works well where the ground is stable and allows the fence line to remain neat.

For sandy ground, a horizontal anti-dig skirt is often more dependable. Extend mesh 450–600 mm outward from the base, lay it flat on the soil, and cover it with earth, pavers or a layer of coarse gravel. Rabbits usually begin digging against the fence and meet the buried barrier before reaching the interior.

Where excavation is difficult, attach a ground skirt to the outside of the fence and secure it with galvanised staples or ground pegs every 300 mm. Check the perimeter after heavy rain, irrigation or flooding, since washouts can expose the wire and create a new entry point.

Reinforce Gates And Corners

The gate is commonly the weakest part of a rabbit-resistant chicken enclosure. Leave no gap larger than 25 mm beneath the door, and fit a threshold board or buried mesh strip if the ground slopes. A self-closing latch prevents accidental openings when feeding or collecting eggs.

Corners deserve particular attention because mesh can pull away from posts under pressure. Use treated timber, galvanised steel posts or sturdy star pickets, depending on the size of the run. Secure the mesh with fencing staples or screws and washers rather than light-duty clips.

If you are setting up a new flock, planning the enclosure before ordering birds makes sizing and access much easier. You can browse the poultry collection while deciding whether the run must accommodate standard hens, compact bantams or larger ducks and geese.

Match The Fence To Australian Conditions

Australian heat can make a fully enclosed run uncomfortable, so pair the rabbit barrier with shade cloth, a roofed section and generous airflow. In Brisbane and coastal Queensland, use corrosion-resistant fixings and inspect for rust after wet summers. In dry areas, dust and wind can gradually uncover a buried skirt.

Bushfire-prone properties need a maintenance plan that keeps dry vegetation, straw and leaf litter away from the perimeter. Local council rules may also affect structures, setbacks and animal keeping, particularly in suburban areas such as Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. Check local requirements before installing a permanent run.

Fence approach	Rabbit resistance	Best use	Maintenance
25 mm welded mesh, buried 300 mm	High	Established chicken runs	Inspect after rain
13 mm welded mesh around the base	Very high	Chicks and bantams	Remove trapped debris
External 600 mm ground skirt	Very high	Sandy or loose soil	Check pegs and washouts
Standard chicken wire alone	Low	Temporary separation only	Frequent repairs
Solid edging with mesh above	High	Runs beside gardens	Monitor drainage

Prevent Digging And Climbing Routes

Keep compost bins, timber stacks, feed containers and dense shrubs away from the outer fence. Rabbits may use objects as cover, while rats and foxes can exploit the same clutter. Trim vegetation so the entire fence line remains visible during daily checks.

A concrete paver strip around the base can add useful protection, especially at gates and corners. Install pavers level with the ground rather than leaving a raised lip that collects water. In areas with persistent rabbit pressure, combine paving with a buried wire skirt for a more durable perimeter.

Inspect the run weekly and after storms. Look for fresh soil, droppings, bent mesh, loose staples and daylight beneath the fence. A small repair made immediately is far cheaper than replacing birds or rebuilding an undermined enclosure.

Make The Run Safe For Poultry

Rabbit-proofing should never compromise the chickens’ comfort. Remove sharp wire ends, provide dry dust-bathing areas and keep feeders elevated enough to reduce contamination. A roof or covered section protects birds from intense sun, sudden rain and falling debris.

Use a secure night shelter inside the run, particularly in rural districts where foxes are active. Lock birds away before dusk and check that ventilation remains open without leaving predator-sized gaps. Automatic doors can help on busy mornings, but they still need routine testing and battery checks.

For a quiet planning evening after the practical work is done, even a short guide to low-stakes Pai Gow poker can provide a change of pace. The important poultry task is simpler: make every boundary continuous, every latch dependable and every digging route difficult.

A well-built rabbit-proof enclosure protects your flock, garden and feed investment for years. Choose suitable mesh, bury or skirt the lower edge, reinforce the gate and inspect the boundary through every season. When the run is ready, select healthy birds suited to your property and give them a secure place to thrive.