Well I have had many chickens in the four years since I have first gotten my first
batch of chickens. What I would like to remind everyone- especially some of you
that our new to the "chicken" thing is that when you are building it make sure
you are using small gaged wire- it is more expensive than regular chicken wire but
anyone will tell you it is worth doing so in the beginning because you will end up
having to change it later probably. If you cant afford to fence in the whole coop
this way at least apply to it the bottom half of the coop. You make think there is no
way that any raccoon or coyote or wolf, hawk etch will get in. After four years
of having chickens my opinion has changed. Any little hole no matter how high will
probably be breached by some animal sooner or later. I have seen fox jump up
to five feet high and get in by some small little opening you would think would
not be breachable. I also recommend applying the fencing to hang down at least 6 inches or more on the bottom. This will help prevent animals from digging under your fence line. That is one thing I am glad I have done. If you are making a run make sure you cover the top completely. Using chicken wire will not protect your animals. If an animal is determined enough they can chew through it!!! It amazes me still how year after year when an animal is determined to eat they will find away in!!! When you are building your coop make sure you spend some time constructing it as safely as possible. The most devasting part of owing chickens is coming out in the morning to find one or more of
your chickens ripped apart or missing because of something you could have
prevented! Everyone that has chickens will tell you that when building your
coop it is not cheap if you are doing it right! If you are thinking of owning
chickens please seriously consider this- they are lots of fun to own and it is
nice to have your own eggs but it does cost some money up front. Just thought
I would pass this along because I recently lost another chicken because of a small
4 inch gap on the corner of the run that was not completely enclosed. This little
gap had been that way for awhile now and I never had a problem. But like I said
sooner or later they will find away in. Do it in the beginning and you will
be happy you did. Best of Luck with your chickens!!
batch of chickens. What I would like to remind everyone- especially some of you
that our new to the "chicken" thing is that when you are building it make sure
you are using small gaged wire- it is more expensive than regular chicken wire but
anyone will tell you it is worth doing so in the beginning because you will end up
having to change it later probably. If you cant afford to fence in the whole coop
this way at least apply to it the bottom half of the coop. You make think there is no
way that any raccoon or coyote or wolf, hawk etch will get in. After four years
of having chickens my opinion has changed. Any little hole no matter how high will
probably be breached by some animal sooner or later. I have seen fox jump up
to five feet high and get in by some small little opening you would think would
not be breachable. I also recommend applying the fencing to hang down at least 6 inches or more on the bottom. This will help prevent animals from digging under your fence line. That is one thing I am glad I have done. If you are making a run make sure you cover the top completely. Using chicken wire will not protect your animals. If an animal is determined enough they can chew through it!!! It amazes me still how year after year when an animal is determined to eat they will find away in!!! When you are building your coop make sure you spend some time constructing it as safely as possible. The most devasting part of owing chickens is coming out in the morning to find one or more of
your chickens ripped apart or missing because of something you could have
prevented! Everyone that has chickens will tell you that when building your
coop it is not cheap if you are doing it right! If you are thinking of owning
chickens please seriously consider this- they are lots of fun to own and it is
nice to have your own eggs but it does cost some money up front. Just thought
I would pass this along because I recently lost another chicken because of a small
4 inch gap on the corner of the run that was not completely enclosed. This little
gap had been that way for awhile now and I never had a problem. But like I said
sooner or later they will find away in. Do it in the beginning and you will
be happy you did. Best of Luck with your chickens!!
