Starting out

[kevinb]

Hi,

Have been thinking of keeping hens for some time. I live in London in middle terraced house with a very well enclosed small back yard (think coronation street). I'm aware of urban foxes but have never seen them at the back. They would have to get over at least 10 other walled back yards to get to me. Cats can navigate around. Would it be suicidal to allow hens to be free range in back garden without a run ?

Any views

[Two_Sheds]

I'm aware of urban foxes but have never seen them at the back. They would have to get over at least 10 other walled back yards to get to me.

And they will. As soon as you put food out for them (hens) you will get foxes

[kevinb]

And they will. As soon as you put food out for them (hens) you will get foxes

Thanks.

Just thought with so many high walls around they wouldn't get in. I guess the sent would attract them and they will eventually find a way in.

[Two_Sheds]

Foxes will easily jump or climb 6 foot walls, and even higher if they have to

[MaureenHall]

hi and welcome. If you can put some kind of mesh cover (think high pergola with mesh on) over the run / yard, then they could be ok. do you really want the chooks all over? I was thinking about the poo problem outside your back door

[seasprout]

At work i have seen a big fox regularly get over a 7ft Chain link fence then walk across the top of a densely pruned conifer hedge.

[Snadger]

At work i have seen a big fox regularly get over a 7ft Chain link fence then walk across the top of a densely pruned conifer hedge.

Now THAt would be worth watching.........get the camera out seasprout!

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the vine. The eglu seems to be a popular choice for town chicken keepers (they are a bit pricey though)

[kevinb]

Thanks.

Yes thought of eglu, just thought I might be able to get away with the housing rather than a run. Probably go for walk in cage in part of the yard.