The Poultry Keeper

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Due to my recent experiences I am just about to fence off an area for the chicks to run in the garden that hopefully will be more fox proof (or rather my OH will be!)

Does anyone have any suggestions of how high the mesh fence would need to be so as not to need a roof over it? Confused

All suggestions gratefully received....... Smile

chicken_house_man · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 124 Location: Brynmawr

I've lost hens to a fox over a 6' brick wall which is not really an answer to your question. You could cover the top with plastic mesh as it's fairly cheap www.knowlenets.co.uk/pest_game/poultry_netting.htm

also with bird flu getting slowly closer have you considered the recomendation for have a roof over them?

Knobby · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 6:51 pm Post subject:

My fences are 6ft too !

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Hmm, no i hadn't as it was going to be large run. Does it have to be a solid roof?

chicken_house_man · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 124 Location: Brynmawr

I think the idea that it can be transmitted by pooh. I believe the wording DEFRA has been using is "undercover" which i'd take to meaning roofed

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

Thanks for that.

Another rethink is needed! I wanted to give them a really big run as they will not then be free range in the garden. I was also considering the electric tape option round wire mesh.

Perhaps given the current climate the smaller covered run option would be best......

mojo · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 8:37 pm Post subject:

a large tarp is a cheap option for run roof and is removable when AF has gone

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

good call Mojo, thanks!

CP · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 3:16 am Post subject:

Remember to have it sloping so you don't get a big puddle in the middle when it rains. Rolling Eyes

nigel · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 8:40 am Post subject:

we use outrigger electric wires outside our normal electric fence. We use a separate perimeter about 12" outside with 2 stands of electric wire at around 9" and 12" above the ground height. A fox comes in nose first and this prevents him getting to the base of your netting to either climb over or dig under.

Our main fencing is 4' electric netting. We have loads of foxes around, I see one most evenings, but so far - no losses.

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

Apart from an energizer ... but don't think that was a fox! Wink

ejc-free · Joined: 11 Jul 2005 Posts: 139

We have tarped our run - as a temporary solution - but aim to get some corogated plastic roofing panels to give them some more permenant - as during high winds the tarp tends to vibrate. But it is a cheap option..... having moved we need to fence our garden as it's not chicken escape prrof at the moment and our neighbours have a very well tended plot........ which my birds have already eyed up.

mojo · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:36 am Post subject:

make the fence twice as high as you think you will need and clip one wing oneach bird

madslg · Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 298 Location: Farnham

How do you wing clip them Mojo?

CP · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 11:50 am Post subject:

It involves cutting the feathers on 1 wing, which is supposed to unbalance them enough to stop any flight. Wink