I have 6 chickens of various breeds and 4 sheep (breeding now, so will have babies around Easter). Right now they are in totally separate areas, My chickens are in an old barn, I sectioned half off as a coup. Its quite secure and plenty of space for now. But I'd really like to make them a nice coop at the edge of my sheep pasture, so they can have more freedom to roam. I know that chicken meal is dangerous for sheep, which is why I have plans on how to make sure the sheep can't acces the inner workings of the coup, where the chickens will be fed. The sheep pasture is secured with a 5 ft wire fencing. The squares are 1x3, so no way a chicken squeezes out, but could they fly over the top? I wouldn't mind them roaming the rest of the property if not for my dog. Anyone ever housed chickens with other types of livestock?
My chickens free roam all over the place. With the goats, dogs, cats, and once in a while they squeeze through the fence in with the neighbours horses. We have cattle fence, so they can fit through. As for flying over, it depends. I have Silkies and Giant Cochins out (My Polish have to stay up cause they can't see) the Silkies can't fly cause of their feathers, and the giant Cochins are much to heavy to get off the ground. What breeds do you have? Some could probably get over the fence, but a lot probably wouldn't even think of trying :-D Good luck!
X2 on MPB's comment, a lot depends on the breed. Some are more agile and flighty than others. If your sheep pen isn't too large, you can attach inexpensive chicken wire to the top of the 5' fence, angled in at a 45 deg angle, while leaving the top quite floppy. When they try to fly out, the floppy wire gives way and they land right back in the pen. It's not fool proof but has worked nicely for my pen.
3x i have cattle panel with chicken wire helping keep the chickens in. If i didnt keep their wings clipped they fly over i have delewares, leghorns, rir, bar rocks, golden and black sexlinks. All are close to being mature if they arent already i also have americanas, buffs, wyandottes those are still locked in a area so they safe from the older girls. All the older girls will fly over if given the chance.
its a quarter acre pasture and we are planning on fencing in another 3/4 acre next year since we are growing the sheep herd. (we have 5 acres total) I'm thinking maybe still put the new coup in that pasture, but make a large run for the chickens with that mesh you are speaking about. good idea.
