Don't Get Fenced In: Your Guide to Emu Wire for Emus

What Is "Emu Fence Wire" and Why Does It Matter?

Emu fence wire can mean two different things, and knowing the difference is crucial. If you need to contain emus, you need tall, strong, non-climb wire mesh. But "emu wire" can also refer to heritage-style decorative fencing popular in Melbourne. These are not the same.

Quick Answer: What You Need for Emu Fencing

• For containing emus: Use non-climb woven wire mesh, minimum 6 feet high (8 feet is better), with 2" x 4" openings.

• Decorative "emu wire": This is a heritage style for front fences and is not suitable for containing large animals.

• Why it matters: Inadequate fencing risks escaped emus, which can cause serious road accidents, property damage, and legal liability. The cost of a lawsuit far outweighs the investment in proper fencing.

I'm Jake Bunston, Director of Make Fencing. For over a decade, we've helped Melbourne property owners with everything from residential boundaries to specialised enclosures, including emu fence wire solutions. Whether you're protecting livestock or enhancing your home's kerb appeal, we'll guide you to the right solution.

5 Essential Facts About Emu Fence Wire for Safe, Secure Enclosures

When it comes to containing emus, understanding the nuances of emu fence wire is absolutely critical. These magnificent birds are known for their speed, strength, and surprising jumping abilities, which means a standard paddock fence simply won't cut it.

At MAKE Fencing, we pride ourselves on providing custom solutions, and for emu enclosures, that means knowing the specific requirements to keep your birds safe and your property secure. Let's explore the five essential facts you need to know.

1. The Real Risks of Inadequate Emu Fencing

Cutting corners on emu fencing can lead to severe consequences. A seemingly small oversight can create big problems.

• Public Safety and Property Damage: An emu bolting through a weak fence onto a busy road is a real danger. Collisions can cause serious vehicle damage and injury to occupants. The potential for damage to property and infrastructure is immense.

• Animal Injury: Fencing with large openings can trap an emu's head, leading to strangulation or a broken neck. Weakly welded wire can break, creating sharp points that could impale a bird.

• Legal and Financial Risks: In Victoria, you are legally obligated to contain your livestock. If your emus escape and cause damage, you could face hefty fines and compensation claims. The cost of a lawsuit far exceeds the investment in proper fencing.

• Long-Term Savings: A robust, well-built emu fence prevents escapes, protects your animals, and shields you from legal headaches. It's an investment in peace of mind that saves you money and stress in the long run. Providing durable, low-maintenance options is our way of offering smart, long-term solutions.

2. What Makes a Fence Truly "Emu-Proof"?

An effective emu fence wire enclosure is designed around emu behaviour. Emus are powerful and surprisingly agile, so the fence must be built to match.

• Height is Critical: A minimum height of 6 feet (1.8m) is essential, with 8 feet (2.4m) being ideal. Young emus can clear 5-foot fences, and panicked adults can "breast surf" over shorter barriers. This height protects them and your neighbours.

• Non-Climb Mesh Design: We recommend a 2" x 4" mesh opening. Larger gaps can trap an emu's head or legs, leading to serious injury. This smaller size prevents them from getting caught while still offering good visibility.

• Durable Wire Gauge: Emus are strong, so the wire must be a heavy-duty gauge that won't bend or break under pressure. This ensures the fence's integrity and longevity, making it a sound investment.

• Weather-Resistant Finishes: To withstand Melbourne's varied weather, we recommend galvanised or PVC-coated steel. These finishes provide excellent corrosion resistance, reduce maintenance, and ensure a longer lifespan for your fence.

• Woven Wire for Strength: Woven wire mesh is preferred over welded wire for its flexibility. It can absorb impact without breaking, reducing the risk of sharp points forming that could injure an emu. Its inherent strength makes it a top choice for animal containment.

If you're interested in understanding more about different mesh types, you can learn more about mesh wire for fencing. For a broader look at all options, we encourage you to explore different types of fencing we offer.

3. Installation and Gate Must-Haves for Emu Enclosures

Even the best emu fence wire is only as good as its installation. A secure enclosure is a complete system, and every component matters.

• Sturdy, Deep-Set Posts: The foundation of a strong fence is its posts. For emu enclosures, posts must be robust and set deep into the ground to withstand force and prevent leaning or collapse.

• Tall, Secure Gates: A fence is only as strong as its weakest point, which is often the gate. Gates must be as tall as the fence (6-8 feet) and feature reliable, strong latching systems that emus cannot manipulate. We custom-fabricate heavy-duty gates to match your fence's strength.

• Regular Maintenance Checks: Periodically inspect your fence for any signs of wear, loose wires, or damaged latches. Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from becoming major problems and ensures ongoing safety.

• Professional Installation: DIY installation of a heavy-duty fence is risky and can compromise the enclosure's security. Our experienced team at MAKE Fencing handles everything from site assessment to precise installation, ensuring every detail is right the first time. This provides a secure, durable fence and gives you peace of mind. We offer a wide array of heavy-duty fencing options and are a trusted Melbourne fencing contractor dedicated to quality.

4. Decorative "Emu Wire" Fencing: Know the Difference

This is where the term "emu wire" gets confusing. While we've been discussing functional emu fence wire for animal containment, another popular product known as "Emu Wire" serves a very different, purely aesthetic purpose.

What is Decorative "Emu Wire"?

Often called Heritage or Federation Wire, this is a charming, woven wire fencing style that complements period homes in Melbourne suburbs like Balwyn or Brighton. It's known for its neat, tightly woven pattern and is typically available in heights of 950mm to 1250mm. It adds character and "Old World" appeal to a property's frontage.

It is NOT for Containing Animals

Despite its name, decorative "Emu Wire" is an ornamental solution. It is designed to improve kerb appeal and define garden boundaries. It is absolutely not suitable for containing large, powerful animals like emus. Its height, strength, and construction are not robust enough to prevent escapes or ensure animal safety.

If you want to add timeless elegance to your front garden, this style is a fantastic choice. However, for a secure emu enclosure, you must use the purpose-built emu fence wire solutions discussed earlier. We specialise in a variety of residential fencing styles and can help you choose the perfect one for your home.

5. Why Professional Installation Makes All the Difference

Choosing the right emu fence wire is only half the battle; correct installation is the other. This is where MAKE Fencing's decade of experience comes into play.

• Custom Solutions for Your Property: Every property is unique. We offer custom solutions custom to your site's terrain, soil, and specific needs, to help ensure your fence is perfectly integrated and effective.

• Expert Advice for Melbourne Conditions: We'll guide you to the best materials, coatings, and designs that will stand up to Melbourne's varied weather, to help ensure your fence is built to last.

• Peace of Mind: A professionally installed enclosure means you don't have to worry about public safety hazards, potential lawsuits, or the welfare of your birds. It's an investment in security and peace of mind.

Our Proven Process

Our process is designed to be clear and stress-free:

1. Consultation: We listen to your needs.

2. Quotation: We provide a transparent, detailed quote. Installation costs in Melbourne can range from $70 to $200 per linear metre, and we'll give you an accurate figure for your project.

3. On-site Assessment: We confirm all measurements and site details.

4. Quality Build: Our skilled team executes the build with meticulous attention to detail.

This structured approach, backed by our experience in both residential and commercial fencing solutions, helps ensure a high-quality outcome. Choosing MAKE Fencing means partnering with a family-owned business dedicated to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

Securing Your Emus and Your Property with Confidence

When it comes to emu fence wire, the stakes are high. Distinguishing between decorative heritage wire and robust, purpose-built fencing is critical to avoid public safety hazards, animal injury, and significant legal and financial liabilities.

Key takeaways for a secure emu enclosure:

• Safety is non-negotiable.

• Height, strength, and mesh design are paramount. Use a non-climb mesh (2" x 4") at least 6-8 feet high.

• Distinguish between decorative "Emu Wire" and functional containment fencing.

• Professional installation helps achieve a durable, hassle-free result and provides peace of mind.

Don't leave the safety of your emus or the security of your property to chance. At MAKE Fencing, we provide high-quality, custom solutions that meet the specific demands of your project, building your emu fence wire enclosure to the highest standards.

Ready to secure your property with confidence? Contact us for a tailored quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wire mesh is best for emu fencing in Melbourne? The best option for emu fencing is a strong, non-climb woven wire mesh with 2" x 4" openings. It should be at least 6 feet high (8 feet is even better) and galvanised or PVC-coated for maximum durability and weather resistance in Melbourne's conditions.

Can decorative "emu wire" fencing be used for animal enclosures? No, decorative "Emu Wire" is a heritage-style woven wire designed for aesthetic appeal on residential front fences. It is not suitable for containing emus or other large animals, as it lacks the necessary height, strength, and mesh size for secure containment.

How much does emu fencing cost in Melbourne? The cost of emu fencing in Melbourne can vary significantly based on materials, height, length, site conditions, and complexity. Generally, installation can range from $70 to $200 per linear metre. For an accurate, detailed quote custom to your specific project, we recommend contacting MAKE Fencing directly.

Do you offer custom gates for emu enclosures? Yes, MAKE Fencing specialises in custom gates. We design and fabricate gates that are as tall and strong as your emu fence, incorporating robust latching systems to ensure maximum security and ease of use for your enclosure.

Why choose MAKE Fencing for my emu enclosure? With over a decade of experience, MAKE Fencing is a family-owned and operated premium fencing provider in Melbourne. We offer high-quality, customisable solutions with proven expertise, attention to detail, and a customer-first philosophy. We focus on making your emu enclosure safe, durable, and expertly installed, providing total peace of mind.