extending coop

[gardengeordie]

Hi All,

At the moment we have our chooks in a large coop, i'd like to extend it so they had an outdoor area, what type of mesh would be good for the walls etc?

Thanks very much!

[Scarlet]

You can use anything to fence them in, depends on your funds. I use electric fencing as I can move it around their sheds and give them different bits of grass to go on during the year. Is this just for day use? As you may need to fox proof it?

[gardengeordie]

yes just during the day really, just to give them the ability to leave there indoor shed to go outside and roam, planning on putting a bit of a roof on to shelter them, It is fairly sheltered but want to protect them as best as I can from any potential attacks

[Scarlet]

I have a section attached to a shed with that plastic roofing and some fencing panels on a couple of sides to give them a dry sheltered area if the weather is bad.
You could just use wire stock fencing, foxes won't jump up and over, they rest on the top of the fence - so it's best not to use wood - or run a top wire that is slightly loose that will stop them jumping on it. They will dig under though, but as long as your around and they are in view you shouldn't have a problem.

[gardengeordie]

Thanks! i'll have a look and see if it can get some wire stock fencing, when i've been looking online some sites mention hardware cloth, but it doesn't seem readily available over here.

[Scarlet]

A few of my friends have used weld mesh fencing - mot sure how much it costs?

[lottie dolly]

when i built mine last year,i chose 1/2 in chicken wire,because,of wild birds getting in when we get the bird flue scares,but bury the bottom at an angle,so predetors cannot dig,in adition i also put granit chuncks on top,we had them so used them,i heard last week a fox has been seen in our area,so glad i did it,
see
Pictures from the run thread,post 4?

[Snadger]

If you can get a hold of Heras fencing used for temporary surrounds on building sites (google it for piccie!) this is very good for making chook runs.

[gardengeordie]

Thank you all very much, I'll have a Google about

[4Shoes]

The mesh hole needs to be smaller than a fox nose to prevent it chewing the wire and getting in.
Dig down 2 feet, or easier - Lay 2 feet of mesh to side and cover with paving slabs to prevent ingress.

Heavier welded mesh is better but much more expensive. You could cover with wider mesh and debris netting to give shade.

[gardengeordie]

The mesh hole needs to be smaller than a fox nose to prevent it chewing the wire and getting in.
Dig down 2 feet, or easier - Lay 2 feet of mesh to side and cover with paving slabs to prevent ingress.

Heavier welded mesh is better but much more expensive. You could cover with wider mesh and debris netting to give shade.

Thanks very much I saw some the other day so may tget that one