Creative Uses for Chicken Wire
Don't be afraid to get creative with chicken wire. If you have some spare chicken wire (also known as poultry netting) in your garage or basement, you'll be surprised with the multiple uses it boasts for everyday projects. You can also find chicken wire at your local hardware store or nursery. It's inexpensive, abundant and easy to work with.
1. Chicken Wire Domes
Bend chicken wire into geometrically-shaped covers you can use for decorative purposes. From cubes and orbs to triangles and cones, there are many options. Roll chicken wire into cone-shapes or box-shapes to cover small potted plants. Box-shaped covers also double as baskets for holding items such as dried flowers or fresh eggs. Display chicken wire domes for tablescapes to create a folksy, rustic atmosphere. Use wire cutters to manipulate and cut the chicken wire into the shape of your choice.
Choose colorful spray paints to customize chicken wire domes to match a decor theme or seasonal color scheme.
2. Gutter Guards
Place chicken wire over gutters to keep leaves and debris from clogging downspouts. Simply cut five-foot lengths of chicken wire into strips that measure twice the width of the gutter. Bend the lengths of chicken wire into curved shapes to deflect debris and leaves. Wedge the chicken wire between the sides of the gutter to form a sturdy curved tunnel that serves as a barrier against gutter clogging pine, needles, leaves and acorns.
3. Living Fence
Use chicken wire to provide a training fence for climbing plants. Frame a section of chicken wire with an old wooden picture frame, and attach it securely with a staple gun. Nail it to posts in the ground or set it against the side of your house to make a living fence or trellis. Plant climbing plants such as jasmine, morning glories or tomatoes at the base of the chicken wire fence or trellis to create a solid "wall" of thriving greenery. Chicken wire fences and trellises also double as trainers for vegetable plants such as tomatoes or green beans.
4. Pest Control
Cover fence gaps where rodents or other small animals enter the backyard to dine on your garden. Roll chicken wire into cylinders you can wedge between fencing and the ground to keep unwanted guests out of your yard.
You can also use bundled chicken wire to keep rodents from entering attic spaces. Squirrels and rats are common attic invaders, but you can deter them from entering with chicken wire formed into balls. Shape chicken wires into mesh balls and stuff them into tight corner areas where pests normally enter.
