How high? - Fence

[Munch]

Just a quicky, we have got to create a new living area for our chooks.

At the moment they have discovered the fence at the bottom of the garden has bent (old fasioned chain wire fence approx 3 foot high) so the little wotsits have been having to odd adventure!

We need to re-do the fencing but I am wondering what height to make the fencing that would suitable contain them but without being silly high.

Thanks

[Flummery]

Sometimes just adding a bit of mesh to the top helps. They tend to jump over by perching on top for a short while and if they can't perch or can't judge the height because it's hard to see, then they'll say in.

A solid fence probably needs to be about 6 ft?

[vicky]

If the top of the fence is a bit wobbly that;s supposed to stop them escaping as they jumo/fly onto the top rather than all the way over and if they can't grip onto the top they can't get over (does that make sense??)
4-5 ft seems to work for me but I do clip wings on any birds that are more adventurous than others...

[RichmondHens]

4 feet should keep them in with their wings clipped. This height is keeping my banties in at the moment and they are known escape artists!

[Munch]

I do have to clip their wings again I think.

Thank you. I had never thought of the wobble on top.

Ca-ching..... I have an Idea.... stand back.....it doesnt happen often!

[chris]

Well don't leave us in suspence! Come on spill the beans!

[Munch]

Well.... we cant really afford elaborate fencing so.... what about some pea netting attached to higher posts above and secured to the old fence below?

[Glutton4...]

Sounds like a plan, Munch! Remember to only clip one wing....

[Munch]

Thanks G4

Just laughed out loud at you location

[Glutton4...]

Thanks G4

Just laughed out loud at you location

It was Zaz - she started it!

[Scarlet]

Well.... we cant really afford elaborate fencing so.... what about some pea netting attached to higher posts above and secured to the old fence below?

I would be very careful with using pea netting - if they do try to fly up and land on it they can get tangled up. I used some on the top of a high fence to stop some turkeys a few years ago and it took some time to cut one free.

[Flummery]

I would be very careful with using pea netting - if they do try to fly up and land on it they can get tangled up. I used some on the top of a high fence to stop some turkeys a few years ago and it took some time to cut one free.

Depends what you mean by pea netting, I use the stiff stuff with the 2" squares that you can roll up when you've finished but you certainly can't fold up. It's what I grow my tall peas on. I have that at the top of the picket fence on their 'exercise area' and it's strong enough not to tangle with anyone but sufficiently unsteady looking that they don't try to perch on it.

[Hilary B]

I would be very careful with using pea netting - if they do try to fly up and land on it they can get tangled up. I used some on the top of a high fence to stop some turkeys a few years ago and it took some time to cut one free.

Turkeys are a lot more constructively stupid than chooks! Look each species in the eye, the chook has a gleam of intelligence (for a bird), the turkey gives the impression of a void behind the eyes!