4' fence to keep chickens in

[steve hartzler]

Our plans for the barnyard keep shifting. If we put up 4' chicken wire fencing, would that generally keep chickens inside? I know chickens can easily fly over a 4' fence. But they'll have almost 2 acres inside the fence, so hoping they won't bother. I'm not counting on the fence for predator control, and it's no big deal if the chickens get out every now and then. We've always free-ranged before, but want some chicken-free areas now.

 

[black_cat]

Our plans for the barnyard keep shifting. If we put up 4' chicken wire fencing, would that generally keep chickens inside? I know chickens can easily fly over a 4' fence. But they'll have almost 2 acres inside the fence, so hoping they won't bother. I'm not counting on the fence for predator control, and it's no big deal if the chickens get out every now and then. We've always free-ranged before, but want some chicken-free areas now.

Depends on what breeds you get. Bantams can fly better than standard birds, and heavier breeds can't fly as well. Also depends on how many birds you have, but 2 acres is a lot of space so seems like you'd be good.

 

[steve hartzler]

Depends on what breeds you get. Bantams can fly better than standard birds, and heavier breeds can't fly as well. Also depends on how many birds you have, but 2 acres is a lot of space so seems like you'd be good.

Haven't picked the breed(s) yet, but definitely going for the heavier kind. We have eagles here, and they never bothered our black australorps. Going to try something different but comparably sized this time.

 

[aart]

Could work with all the space and if the top edge of CW is floppy and not stable to land on.

2 acres is lot of fencing!