To install effective rabbit fencing, erect a 24–36 inch high barrier using 1-inch mesh galvanized welded wire secured to posts spaced 6–8 feet apart, with the bottom buried 6–12 inches deep and bent into an outward-facing L-shaped apron to block digging.
The difference between a fence that works and one that doesn’t is rarely the height — it’s what happens below the surface. A properly installed rabbit fence stops both jumpers and diggers with the same setup, and getting the base right takes about an afternoon’s work.
What Makes a Fence Rabbit-Proof
Three specifications matter more than anything else: mesh size, height, and the buried apron. Use 1-inch or smaller mesh — anything larger lets young rabbits squeeze through, and The fence should stand 24 inches tall at minimum, though 36 inches is safer if you’re dealing with hares or determined jumpers.
Galvanized steel or aluminum welded wire is the only material that lasts. Plastic mesh and wooden slats look fine until a rabbit chews through them in an evening.
How to Install the Fence Properly
The installation method determines whether the fence holds for years or fails the first season. Mark the fence line with stakes and string, then remove rocks and debris along the path. Dig a trench 3–12 inches deep and 6–12 inches wide — go deeper in sandy soil (12 inches minimum) and shallower in clay or rocky ground (3 inches is enough).
Set corner posts first, hammering them 12–18 inches into the ground (18 inches for loose soil). Space the remaining posts 6–8 feet apart. Unroll the mesh and bend the bottom 6–12 inches outward at a 90-degree angle to create the horizontal apron. Place the vertical section in the trench with the apron extending outward away from the garden. Attach the mesh to the first post with galvanized staples or heavy-duty cable ties, pull it tight against the next post, and secure it with staples every 6 inches vertically. Cover the apron with 2 inches of soil or mulch, fill the trench, and compact it. Overlap any mesh sections by at least 6 inches. Trim excess wire and check the entire run for gaps or sagging sections.
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Mistakes That Let Rabbits Through
Most fence failures happen in one of four ways. Skipping the apron is the most common — rabbits dig straight under an unburied fence within days. Using mesh larger than 1 inch lets young rabbits pass, and they’ll breed inside the garden before you notice. Sagging between posts creates gaps rabbits push through, so pull the wire tight and consider running a top tension wire on longer runs. Gate gaps are the weakest point in any fence; install a wire curtain that extends below the gate and overlaps the sides by several inches, or overlap boards across the opening at the bottom.
For standard 36-inch wide rolls, the following specs cover the main choices at a glance:
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized chicken wire (1-inch mesh) | $0.50–$1.20 | General garden beds, light-duty |
| Welded galvanized wire (1-inch mesh) | $1.50–$2.50 | Long-term, high-pressure areas |
| Treated wooden posts (6 ft) | $15–$30 each | Corner and gate posts, heavy support |
| Metal T-posts | $10–$20 each | Standard line posts, fast installation |
For extra security in gardens with persistent diggers, a low-voltage electric fence charger rated for 2000–4000 volts can be added along the base — safe for pets and humans when using a garden-rated unit. In sandy soil, extend the buried apron to 12–18 inches outward and consider setting corner posts in concrete to prevent shifting.
FAQs
Can rabbits chew through galvanized wire?
Galvanized steel and aluminum welded wire are chew-resistant. Rabbits will bite at it but cannot penetrate it, unlike plastic or untreated wood which they destroy quickly. Using 1-inch or smaller mesh prevents them from getting a bite hold on the wire itself.
What depth should the trench be for the apron?
The trench depth ranges from 3 inches in clay or rocky soil up to 12 inches in sandy or loose soil. The horizontal apron flap should extend outward 12 inches from the fence base, and the vertical portion sits inside the trench before backfilling.
Does electric fencing hurt pets or children?
It should never be connected to a livestock or industrial charger. Place warning signs every 50 feet and keep the lowest wire at least 4 inches off the ground.
References & Sources
- St Helena Government. “Guidance Note 1: Rabbit Fencing” Covers mesh size, apron depth, and post spacing for effective rabbit exclusion.
- Wire Fence UK. “How to Install a Rabbit Proof Fence” Step-by-step installation guide with soil-specific trench depth recommendations.
- Wire Fence UK. “How to Install Rabbit Fencing with T-Posts” Detailed instructions for T-post installation and mesh tensioning.