Game Keeping Fencing Solutions: Wire, Jumbo, and Release Pen Netting Essentials

As a gamekeeper or estate manager involved in rearing game birds, you will know the importance of gamekeeping fencing solutions to protect your birds from predators or escaping.  

And like a woman has a handbag for every outfit, we have different game-rearing netting types for every objective. But are you using the right one for your game-rearing? Even as a pro, sometimes it can be easy to slip into habits of using netting without taking a minute to evaluate if they are really the right option.  

At Collins Nets, we are a family-run company that specialises in manufacturing and supplying nets for game rearing, among many other things. We are also the largest stockist of game-rearing supplies in the UK. This means we are the experts of all things netting and the exact people you should turn to when you need to learn which netting you should be using for your project. 

In this blog, we take five minutes to reflect on the different uses of each netting type available and remind you how to choose the right one for your objectives and set-up.  

Key Game Keeping Fencing and Netting Solutions 

There are three key types of game-keeping fencing solutions predominantly used in the game-rearing industry. Each differs slightly, making them more suitable for differing situations.  

Wire Netting 

Wire netting has many names, often referred to as chicken wire or galvanised wire netting, so don’t panic if you see these other names. It is available in various mesh sizes and materials – although the most common will be a galvanised wire to improve its durability.  

Typically, wire netting is used as a gamekeeper fencing solution when you are predator-proofing and securing game pens. This is why the different mesh sizes, thicknesses and heights of the netting are so valuable, as they offer different levels of protection for whichever type of game bird you are protecting.  

Wire netting is ideal for preventing foxes, badgers and other threats from getting into your enclosures.  

Jumbo Netting 

Another popular gamekeeping fencing solution is jumbo netting. 

This type of netting is incredibly strong, often stronger than standard netting, meaning it is ideal for high-traffic areas or where damage is likely to occur by the birds within the cage. Usually, jumbo netting is made from plastic, which is why it is so durable. This also means it is resistant to rust.  

We often see gamekeepers using a combination of wire netting and plastic jumbo netting to construct and protect their release pens. The jumbo netting is easy to erect, so they use it to create the release pen fencing. They then use the wire netting along the bottom to keep vermin out.  

Release Pen Netting 

Release pen netting is slightly different to the above because of the material used to make it. It is a semi-rigid, ultraviolet-stabilised black polypropylene netting specifically designed to provide game birds with a safe, contained environment before release. 

The rot-proof and chemical-resistant gamekeeping fencing solution is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to set up and long-lasting. This also means it is great at protecting your game birds from predators and will prevent them from escaping should they try any funny business.  

While similar to jumbo netting, release pen netting has slightly smaller holes, which enables your birds to acclimatise safely while maintaining a natural setting.  

Choosing the Right Fencing for Your Needs 

Now that you’ve had a crash course reminder on the types of netting available, let’s dive into how to choose the right one.  

If you are taking time to evaluate your netting choices and usage this year, there are a few factors that will impact which one you should be using:  

• Location of the pen 
• Species of birds 
• Predator risks 

High-traffic areas or larger pens with lots of birds might be more suitable for jumbo netting. While release pen fencing might be better for a location that has a higher predator risk. In all likelihood, you will want to use a combination of fencing solutions to provide the best protection for your birds. For example, you might use jumbo netting or release pen netting to create the main pen and add wire netting at the bottom to prevent rodents and vermin from getting into the pen on the floor.  

Maintaining and Replacing Gamekeeping Fencing 

Of course, you want your pens to be secure and protective, but that means a little bit of manpower is required. Maintenance is key to keeping your pens and fencing up to scratch and reducing the chances of predators getting to your birds or your birds escaping.  

The probability of this being part of your routine already is high, but here are a few tips for you to check out in case you are missing any tricks.  

Check for Wear and Tear  

Look out for signs of:   

• Corrosion and rust 
• Broken or loose netting 
• Unstable posts and stakes 
• Ground erosion  
• Chewing or damage by wildlife 

Replace Fencing 

Sometimes, you will need to replace fencing, so these are the signs you should do this:  

• Visible signs of damage or holes
• Loss of tension
• Weathering or UV damage 
• Severe weather that might have compromised the integrity of the structure 

Essential Fencing Accessories And Maintenance Tools 

There are a number of tools and accessories that make fencing maintenance easier:   

• Electric fencing kits  
• Securing pins 
• Vermin control 
• Fencing repair tools  

Order The Right Fencing Solutions For You 

Investing in the right gamekeeping fencing solutions for your release pens will save you time and money in the long run. Plus, they will give you peace of mind that your birds are safe and sound.  

Choosing the right netting will likely depend on the perceived risk of predators, as well as location and the type of birds you are rearing. For more protection and durability, jumbo netting or release pen netting is ideal. 

Wire netting is commonly used along the bottom of all release pens because it ensures smaller rodents and vermin can’t get access to the floor.  

At Collins Nets, we stock all the netting types you need at affordable prices. Each type of netting is available in different lengths or heights, meaning you are sure to find the product you need for the pen size you are creating. Plus, many of them have discounts if you bulk buy them, so you save money too.  

With 35 years of experience supplying game-rearing fencing solutions to gamekeepers and estate managers across the UK, we have gained invaluable knowledge that allows us to ensure our stock meets your needs and requirements. We are confident that whatever you order from us will last while providing the protection and security you need for your birds.  

If you are thinking of changing your netting order but aren’t sure which one is the right choice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today. Call us on 01308 485422 today. Alternatively, if you know which netting you need, please order it online now.