Chicken wire fence cost typically ranges from $1 to $4 per linear foot for materials or about $3 to $9 per linear foot installed. Total price depends on fence length and height, post type and spacing, terrain, and whether the fence needs a buried edge or gate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials only | $100 | $250 | $500 | For 100 linear ft, including mesh and basic posts |
| Installed fence | $300 | $650 | $1,200 | For 100 linear ft with ordinary access and basic materials |
| Installed price per linear ft | $3 | $6.50 | $12 | Higher end may include gates, difficult ground, or predator protection |
| DIY materials per linear ft | $1 | $2.50 | $5 | Varies by mesh gauge, post material, and height |
What a 100-Foot Chicken Wire Fence Usually Costs
A straightforward 100-foot chicken wire fence, 3 to 4 feet high, often costs $300 to $900 installed. A typical estimate is around $600 to $700 when it includes galvanized mesh, treated wood or steel posts, fastening supplies, and installation on reasonably level ground. Small jobs may cost more per foot because crews often have a minimum charge.
For a DIY installation, the mesh and basic posts commonly total $100 to $350 for 100 feet, before tools, a gate, or extra digging supplies. Assumptions: 3- to 4-foot fence, standard galvanized poultry netting, ordinary access, and no major grading. For a basic 100-foot run, budget about $650 installed or roughly $250 for DIY materials.
How Wire, Posts, and Labor Shape the Quote
Contractor estimates usually separate materials from labor and any delivery or disposal charges. Mesh may be a smaller part of the bill than setting posts, especially when the ground is rocky or the layout has many corners. The table shows common ranges for a basic 100-foot project; local labor rates and the chosen post system can shift the total.
| Cost component | Low | Typical | High | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken wire mesh | $50 | $100 | $200 | Height, roll length, coating, and gauge |
| Posts and supports | $50 | $125 | $250 | Wood or metal, spacing, corners, and bracing |
| Labor | $150 | $350 | $650 | Digging, stretching mesh, and site access |
| Equipment and supplies | $20 | $60 | $150 | Fasteners, tools, delivery, and disposal |
| Gate or buried edge | $0 | $75 | $250 | Gate size and added predator protection |
Labor may be quoted as a project price or at about $40 to $85 per hour per worker. Ask whether the quote includes corner bracing, cleanup, and gate hardware, not just mesh installation.
Why Mesh Height and Post Spacing Change the Price
Standard poultry netting is commonly 3 or 4 feet high. Moving to 5 or 6 feet uses more mesh and can require taller, stronger posts; it may add roughly $1 to $3 per linear foot installed, depending on the material and labor. Heavier galvanized mesh can also cost more than light-duty netting, while plastic netting may reduce upfront material expense but is less durable.
Post spacing is another cost driver. Posts about 6 to 8 feet apart provide more support but require more posts than 10- to 12-foot spacing. Long runs with few corners are usually cheaper per foot than short enclosures with multiple turns. A buried mesh apron or 6 to 12 inches of buried wire can help deter digging animals, but adds excavation and material costs.
Height, mesh strength, and post spacing should be specified before comparing estimates.
Where Homeowners Can Trim the Fence Budget
Keeping the layout rectangular and limiting gates, corners, and unnecessary height reduces materials and installation time. If the enclosure is only meant to contain chickens in a low-risk yard, standard poultry netting may be sufficient; predator-prone locations may justify stronger mesh or an apron instead of a full upgrade everywhere.
Homeowners can save on labor by clearing brush and marking the fence line before the crew arrives. For DIY work, compare the cost of renting a post-hole digger with the time and effort of hand digging. Get at least two itemized quotes and check that each includes the same fence length, height, posts, and gate scope. Reducing complexity usually saves more than choosing the cheapest mesh alone.
How Long Does a Backyard Installation Take?
A two-person crew may install a simple 100-foot run in about 4 to 8 hours if the ground is clear and posts can be set without unusual digging. Rocky soil, roots, slopes, or a buried edge can extend the job to one or two days. Contractors may charge a minimum of $150 to $300 for a small visit, making a short fence relatively expensive per linear foot.
For a DIY project, setting out the line, placing posts, and stretching and fastening mesh can take a full day or more for someone working alone. Ask whether the estimate prices labor by the hour or as a fixed project fee, and how site delays are handled.
Three Chicken Coop Fence Quotes by Size
These examples assume basic galvanized wire, ordinary access, and no major grading. Final quotes vary by region and specifications, but the examples show how length and added features affect the total.
- Small coop run: A 40-foot, 3-foot-high enclosure with basic posts and one simple gate may cost $250 to $450 installed, or about $6 to $11 per linear foot. A DIY materials budget may be $80 to $180.
- Typical backyard run: A 100-foot, 4-foot-high fence with standard posts may cost $500 to $850 installed, or $5 to $8.50 per linear foot. Allow roughly 6 to 10 labor hours for a small crew.
- Larger protected enclosure: A 200-foot, 5-foot-high run with closer post spacing and a buried edge may cost $1,400 to $2,400 installed, or $7 to $12 per linear foot.
Compare both total price and per-foot rate because gates and small-job minimums distort simple comparisons.
Regional Rates for Rural and Urban Fence Work
Labor and mobilization can make installed chicken wire fencing about 10% to 25% more expensive in high-cost metro areas than in lower-cost rural markets. Remote rural properties can also pay more when a crew must travel a long distance or bring equipment for difficult terrain. These differences are not fixed national rules; local contractor availability and access matter.
Material prices are generally less affected by location than labor, though delivery fees can raise the cost of bulky posts or multiple mesh rolls. Use local quotes for the final budget and confirm whether travel, delivery, and disposal are included.
When Is Chicken Wire Cheaper Than Hardware Cloth?
Chicken wire is generally the lower-cost choice for containing poultry in an ordinary yard, but it is not as strong as hardware cloth and may not keep out determined predators. Hardware cloth often costs about $1.50 to $5 per square foot for material, compared with roughly $0.20 to $0.80 per square foot for common poultry netting; installed costs depend on post and labor needs.
For vulnerable coop openings or a small lower perimeter, using hardware cloth only where protection matters can control expense. Replacing an entire fence with heavier material is not always necessary. Choose the mesh for the actual containment and predator risk, not just the lowest initial price.