fence for chickens

[HeartoftheMatterFarm]

I would like to let my chickens out this summer but where I live there is a lot of foxes around and there are hawks and eagles. What is the best thing to do for them?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It depends on whether you can afford to lose any chickens or not. It also can depend on your set up, and whether predators are aware of your birds. I prefer to risk it for the benefits, and we provide cover and our donkeys keep out many predators. Others don't want to risk it. It is a personal decision, only you can decide how you want to manage your chickens.

 

[HeartoftheMatterFarm]

I was thinking of getting the electric net fencing and put a cover over it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I was thinking of getting the electric net fencing and put a cover over it.

I have not used the netting, so I don't know if a cover would interfere with the electric part of it and ground kill out.

 

[2 many chickens]

Hardwire cloth is good.

 

[Alaskan]

Foxes can be very bold! Any fence that will keep out dogs should keep out foxes. As for hawks, eagles, etc. a net over the top is excellent.

If you want to fence in a very large area then stringing fishing line back and forth over the pen with dangling and flashing bits can help reduce raptor attacks. (surveyors tape or old CDs work well).

I have had bald Eagles bust through nylon fishing net to successfully kill my chickens, but sturdy concrete reinforcing wire has been excellent and held up under heavy wet snow.