Dog-proof fencing

We are building a 8x20 run for my chickens. It will be roofed and covered with hardware cloth. My garden will be next to it, with a 3-4 foot path between. I would like to let the chickens into the garden as additional forage space (about 15x40, slightly rounded at one corner), before planting and toward the end of harvest, plus throughout the winter, just for extra space for them and to let them eat the bugs and weeds out of season. I have 2 dogs that are NOT going to be allowed with the chickens. What is the cheapest option to fence my garden space? The hens will only be out in it mid-day, so I’m not worried about nighttime predators. I am thinking of using 6ft high fence posts so I can cover it with bird netting. I just want something the dogs can’t rip through so they can be out in the yard at the same time. I was looking at welded wire and woven wire. If it’s 4ft high I could do a skirt at first two feet and double layer to reach the top. The hens will not be in the garden if we aren’t home and generally outside, but I want to keep them safe if I do run in the house for a little while. Thanks for your thoughts.

Welded wire should be fine for keeping out dogs. What kind/size dogs are these?

What kind of dogs and how old? My senior pup is 65 lbs.

My current garden has only a temporary fence until next year. 8 foot log posts need to be replaced. One corner has some old chain link fencing that blackberries climb. I go around in chicken wire bent to create an 8" apron. It's short enough I can step over if I'm not wearing a skirt. The top of the posts are run with baling twine and bright plastic market flags. So far it has kept out rabbits, deer and dogs.

SueT said:

Welded wire should be fine for keeping out dogs. What kind/size dogs are these?

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50 lbs and 80 lbs. Boston terrier mix (obviously dad was large lol), and Hound/Lab mix. The larger found a way to dig under our old fencing on the property line so we do an invisible fence along the fence line which is working to stop him from digging as neither will go near the flags. That’s why I thought the 2ft apron would be additional protection. What’s the difference between welded wire & woven wire if you happen to know

Thank you!

MadGardener said:

What kind of dogs and how old? My senior pup is 65 lbs.

My current garden has only a temporary fence until next year. 8 foot log posts need to be replaced. One corner has some old chain link fencing that blackberries climb. I go around in chicken wire bent to create an 8" apron. It's short enough I can step over if I'm not wearing a skirt. The top of the posts are run with baling twine and bright plastic market flags. So far it has kept out rabbits, deer and dogs.

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Wow, I didn’t think chicken wire would be strong enough to keep my boys out! Has you dog tried to bust through it? My guys are very people sweet and do a good job keeping squirrels and bunnies away, I just don’t want them to think my chickens are prey, which I’m sure they will.

Here is the fencing I was looking at. Opinions?

But the woven wire is $150 cheaper.

Woven wire is only twisted together. It can/will slide and shift, you can make a hole init with your hands by slifing the wires around. Welded wire the holes are set by welds, you have to Break them to make a hole through.

Some dogs will respect chicken wire. Its a mental thing like with the flags. They can physically go through but dont think they can so don't.

SheaLoner said:

Woven wire is only twisted together. It can/will slide and shift, you can make a hole init with your hands by slifing the wires around. Welded wire the holes are set by welds, you have to Break them to make a hole through.

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Thank you. Makes perfect sense. I appreciate the explanation!

SheaLoner said:

Some dogs will respect chicken wire. Its a mental thing like with the flags. They can physically go through but dont think they can so don't.

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Gotcha. Thanks!

Iluveggers said:

Wow, I didn’t think chicken wire would be strong enough to keep my boys out! Has you dog tried to bust through it? My guys are very people sweet and do a good job keeping squirrels and bunnies away, I just don’t want them to think my chickens are prey, which I’m sure they will.

Here is the fencing I was looking at. Opinions?
View attachment 3050433
But the woven wire is $150 cheaper.

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He does not try to go through it. I previously used portable eelectric netting there and it's likely he thinks any fencing in that location will "bite" him.

The netting was a pain to keep weeds trimmed and did nothing to keep out small rabbits. It did make the dog scared to leave the house for 3 days. He hasn't gotten near netting since.