Rabbit Proof Fence

A rabbit proof fence is good at keeping your pet inside as well as deterring other wild animals from coming in to harm your pet rabbit. There are a few different materials for building a rabbit proof fence.

The first step to selecting your fencing is to decide what the fence will protect, and what the fence needs to deter. For instance, you may be interested in protecting your pet rabbit from escaping outside your yard. Instead of locking your rabbit in a small cage, you can fence in the entire yard and allow your pet rabbit the freedom to roam around the yard in a more natural environment. The rabbit proof fence will keep your rabbit from wondering off, and the fence will also protect many predator animals from entering the yard and harming your rabbit.

Another reason for using a rabbit proof fence in your yard is if you are looking to protect your plants and trees from wild rabbits. You can place fences around specific trees, shrubs and plants, or you can opt to put a rabbit proof fence around the outside perimeter of your yard.

The most common form of rabbit proof fences come in wire framework, purchased in sections. Remember that the fence material must be strong enough to withstand rabbits’ gnawing and chewing, so if you don't go with a fence that is specifically designed for rabbit proofing- be sure to get some other strong material.. Some fences are made from chicken wire that is strung along the yard and attached to wooden posts. This type of fencing will work as long as the wire is strong enough to hold up when the rabbits chew on it..It is helpful to have the wooden posts closer together as that will keep the fence from bending in and allowing the rabbits to squeeze themselves into the yard, or out of it- whichever the case may be. There are wire mesh frames that are used in a similar fashion to the chicken wire fencing.

The rabbit proof fence must have a skirt of apron or mesh wire that is buried beneath the ground as well as the above ground fencing. Since rabbits burrow, this apron will prevent the rabbit from burrowing under your fence. You'll also benefit from having part of the fence placed below the earth level because other animals are able to dig, also. When animals come up against the underground fence, they are likely to go in a different direction instead of fighting their way into your yard.

If you don't want to dig a trench to place some of the fence below ground level, you can choose to use an electric fence to keep out wild rabbits or keep your pet rabbits in. Use a very low voltage electric fence system, since rabbits are small and do not require much to be deterred from going in a certain area.

If you are planting a new garden, it's a good idea to invest in rabbit proof fencing to place around each newly planted item. This will give your new plants a chance to grow and become strong. When a new plant is chewed on by rabbits, they are not given ample opportunity to grow and thrive in their environment. With a rabbit proof fence around it temporarily, it is able to grow stronger and then later, when the fence is removed and an occasional rabbit helps himself to a snack- the plant has a much better chance of surviving it.