Fencing height???

[greenarmy]

I have finally got the go ahead for some chooks hooray!! just planning my run area, im going to have a coop, and an area for them to wander, i have an area of 2.9 mtr by 3mtr i want to fence around this area and a gate access, the wife says it must be decorative fencing!!!! dont want a roof enclosure, how high would i need to build the fence to keep them in and others out ???
regards wayne

[Suechooks]

You really need a roof to keep foxes out. Decorative fencing - mmmmmm - good solid weld mesh for the same reason.(Maybe you could put some decorative stuff outside? Its important ro realise that foxes/stray dogs/badgers etc are all predators of chickens wherever you live and they are likely to attack them anytime of day or night. If you plan to leave the chooks in the run when you are not there you must be sure its as predator proof as possible - foxes can easily scale 6-7' fencing, or dig underneath. Have a look at some of the runs others have done.

[Hilary B]

You could try something like pallisade fence with an electric strand about 6 inches above it, and one low down (maybe 6 inches off the ground) about 6 inches in front of it.......
No decorative fence will be effective on its own (esapecially with no roof), but with the 2 electric wires, it might be OK. They don't need to be conspicuous.
I'd go for a fence high enough that you can open the gate and walk UNDER the high electric strand (unless you are another one of these high-folk). Foxy might get up the main fence, but he'd then find the wire, and change his mind in a hurry, the other wire would deter digging (if you get the location right).

[jessmorris]

Can anyone advise whether 1.1m electric fencing would be enough to keep bantams in and foxes and badgers out? Or would I need to go for higher fencing? Banties are wing clipped.
Thanks,
JM

[Nicos]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nce_50118.html

See my comments on post#5

This fencing is green , so doesn't stand out like the orange fencing.
No need for a roof- but some shelter is needed from the strong sun , or a down pour!

Banties can still fly even with clipped wings as they are so light!

Mine aren't clipped but have only flown out a couple of times.
Once was a determined mom wanting to hide her eggs- the other was an unclipped Marans flying to the back door cos we were late with his supper

[its hilly]

The high electric wire is a good idea, paving slabs set on concrete round the outside looks tidy, keeps chook-watchers feet dry, and stops them big red rats digging under. Must admit I'm also grinning at the thought of them climbing a 6/7ft fence only to find a nasty bite at the top

Jess, don't make me laugh, I've got three wing-clipped hybrids who regularly fly over the 10ft partition in the barn

[Snadger]

I can't see the problem in putting a roof of mesh or clear plastic on such a comparatively small area? Its the only way to keep foxes out and also birds of prey!
Some of the roof finishes can be made to look quite decorative!

[elizajay]

I've got a tiny Japanese bantam that flies over the hen house and flies into trees and then looks down very pleased with herself. She never goes next door though, even if she sits and looks over.

[jessmorris]

Jess, don't make me laugh, I've got three wing-clipped hybrids who regularly fly over the 10ft partition in the barn

I know, I know, it seems to work a bit though - mine just end up down the road instead of up an enormous tree!! They don't try the 6 foot wooden fence any more though, thank heavens! I've had an offer of part of a field for my adult birds but I'm worried about foxes and badgers....

[Allotment Nerd]

My fence is 2 mtr. I don't have a roof but I might consider it as I hadn't thought about birds of prey.

[Hilary B]

My fence is 2 mtr. I don't have a roof but I might consider it as I hadn't thought about birds of prey.

There are actually very few birds of prey in the UK that will take on an adult full size chicken. They are also usually reluctant to land in an enclosed space where taking off might be tricky.
Bantams and chicks might be at risk, in theory, but the raptors that are reasonably common are either unlikely to come into your garden, or not really very clever hunters.
Foxes are hundreds of times more likely!

[jessmorris]

There are actually very few birds of prey in the UK that will take on an adult full size chicken. They are also usually reluctant to land in an enclosed space where taking off might be tricky.
Bantams and chicks might be at risk, in theory, but the raptors that are reasonably common are either unlikely to come into your garden, or not really very clever hunters.
Foxes are hundreds of times more likely!

Possibly not very likely (raptors that is) but you can be surprised - I live on a housing estate and I saw a sparrowhawk take a sparrow over next doors and one flew down low over my pekin chick pen last week, sizing it up! (I've got bantams and bantam chicks so possibly just manageable for a sparrowhawk..!)

I agree though that in most situations, foxes are much more likely.

[lynda66]

if it's not a complete cube theres no guarantee mr fox won't get in without a roof .... foxes are very determined and can jump and climb virtually anything ... especially when they are hungry ..... they will chew away even at wire netting and dig too if theres the chance of a meal ..... i wouldn't take the risk ..... just build it secure and put a pretty fence in front of it.