fence

[Stevenson]

With a limited budget, what kind of fencing would you recommend for the run? I have plenty of space (was thinking about something like 40'x40'), but limited on how much I can spend. I am planning on maintaining a flock of about 25 chickens.

 

[obaan1]

I would hunt down free pallets.

 

[chickenpapa]

I assume you won't be covering a run that size? If so, could they free range? In my opinion, your chickens will be just as susceptible to predators in an uncovered, budget-fenced, 250 sq-ft run as they would be free ranging.

Now, if the purpose is just to contain the chickens, chicken-wire and t-posts are relatively inexpensive and easy to set up and take down.

 

[GardeNerd]

Quote:
40 ft x 40ft that is 1600 sq. ft. There should be plenty of room for 25 chickens, which is something like 65 sq. ft per bird. What is your budget?

 

[Stevenson]

10 sq ft per bird times 25 birds would be 250 sq ft. I am talking about having 40'x40' = 1600 sq ft or 64 sq ft per bird.

I am mostly concerned about coyotes. I am pretty much in the middle of a corn field and we hear packs of them every night. My dogs also have been known to eat a chicken in the past...I don't want that to happen again.

I would like to get about 150' of 6' fencing and I am prepared to spend around $100-$150 if necessary....but I would like something that works well at keeping them in and keeping predators out (understanding I could have a problems with predator birds). I figured 6' would keep the chickens contained for the most part...am I wrong?

 

[Stevenson]

GardeNerd beat me to it!

 

[Chicken.Lytle]

I have a 20x40 run with poultry netting over the top. The fence material is typical 2x4 farm fence.

It has been effective so far, but it could obviously be better.

You should seriously consider adding electric fence.

 

[sunnyvera]

Quote:
Check out Craig's List in your area. We got fencing, etc. from there, very very reasonable. Also free stuff.

 

[Junkmanme]

Quote:
Your dogs should keep the coyotes away. Your problem THEN is keeping your dogs away from the chickens.
Probably t-posts (closely set) and chicken-wire would be sufficient....be sure to bury about 4 to 6 inches of chicken wire all the way around the perimeter (except gates).

Not much else is affordable with that budget.

-Junkmanme-

 

[Weiden Farm]

I don't have dogs. Can i use one of those electronic barking dog things.
I'm afraid of big dogs - so it Could keep me away from the coop