Questions about trees, fencing and breeds

[fruitylou]

Hi, we are planning on getting chickens next year and want to get everything set up this summer, we have an overgrown fig tree which would be perfect for them perch in and I am even thinking of making some sort of chicken tree house in it for them. So my question is are fig trees or its immature fruits (its so big it no longer holds its fruit and drops them early before ripening) dangerous or toxic to chickens? And is strong trellis suitable as fencing (I saw Alys fowler do it on the tv and it looked good lol). And one last question can I keep ex batts and bantams together ?

Thank-you

[Scarlet]

Bantams and large fowl can be kept together.
Not 100% sure ex Batts would use a tree house - they are not used to perching. Also using trellis for a fence wouldn't keep any predators out. You need a strong secure fence that will ensure your chickens are safe, have a look through some older posts. Have a look at Flummery albums - she has a great chicken set up.
Would think figs are fine for chickens although not in large quantities it could cause diarrhea. Can you take them off before they drop?

[fruitylou]

Thanks for replying, I am new to chickens and only know the basics so am giving myself this year to research and set up etc ready to get some chickens this time next year. I could just thin the figs out and leave them a few, I was thinking of perhaps using chicken wire with trellis on the outside to pretty it up a bit, I am a tart like that lol

[Scarlet]

If you are going to have the house set off the floor you will need a secure run and also a covered area for when it rains. (I presume as you are setting it around a tree there will be no roof) The fencing also needs to be high enough to stop foxes etc getting in and either buried in the ground or set on slabs to stop them from digging under. Chicken wire isn't strong enough.

[fruitylou]

Ok thank-you, I am going to bury the fencing in and I should be able to put a roof on as its more shrub like than tree like.

[VirginVegGrower]

Thanks for replying, I am new to chickens and only know the basics so am giving myself this year to research and set up etc ready to get some chickens this time next year. I could just thin the figs out and leave them a few, I was thinking of perhaps using chicken wire with trellis on the outside to pretty it up a bit, I am a tart like that lol

We used weld mesh which you can purchase on a roll - we bought 16 gauge. Chicken wire can be bitten through by foxes apparently. I would love a tree house - can you come to my house and build one please?
We got our hens two days ago and had our first egg this morning.
I would put netting under your fruiting branches maybe, as figs when they drop are over ripe and go mouldy very quickly and you know what syrup of figs does to people - imagine that going through your hens
Good luckand I am eggcited for you!

[RichmondHens]

The idea of a tree house, or house round a tree, sounds attractive, but I think it won't be very practical. What happens if you get red mite in? You can't cover a living tree in creosote or other agent. Also, how easy will it be to access for mucking out and for hen inspections? All things to think about.

[Polly Fouracre]

I liked the idea of Hugh's chicken houses on a pole but am not convinced that foxes couldn't get in!

[RichmondHens]

And he had to climb a ladder to muck them out - that wouldn't suit me at all, I don't like heights!

[Scarlet]

...and you can't do that in your nightie!