fencing?

My yard is about 50x100 and has 4 ft. chain link on two sides and 6ft stockade on the other. If you choose "heavy" breeds you are better apt to keep the inside the fence. Some of the lighter breeds are flighty and will surely go over it. Also I don't have anything near the perimeter for them to launch from to go over the fence from.

 

Here's a couple of options
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/prod1;ft1_fencing_containment-ft1_bird_fencing;pgtc2630a.html
or
http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie...rumb_categoryIds=|46353&maxRecords=200&isDoc=

they have a lot of other products and sometimes remnants that you can get to work.

My hen pen is only 10' wide so I stretch 2x4 galvanized fencing across the top. It also keeps hawks out.

 

4 to 5 ft should work for the most part for heavy breeds. I have a 5ft fence around my run (havent' closed it for ever though) & they can't jump out. I have mostly buff orps - good & heavy.

If you find one that sees the greener grass - clip the wings.

I find that if they are entertained & have food they wont even wonder about the 'outside'.

 

Look for aviary netting - most nurseries and feed stores sell it to keep birds off of fruit trees. It keeps the birds from potentially flying out, but I use it over a new temporary run I made next to their "armored" enclosed run to keep the owls out. From a few feet away you can't see it over the top of the fencing. It works - I actually watched one day as a Barred Owl swooped down for the kill and had to divert its attack because of the netting.

 

Heavy breeds can get over a six-foot fence when they're young - I've had both Brahmas and Orpingtons make it, even with clipped wings. They got too fat at about 7 months.

 

I have a 4 ft fence around my yard w/ 49 chickens that free range. I've only had 2 breeds that get out all the time. A Silver Laced Wyandotte & a Golden Comet. They've learned how to get out and get back in. Yesterday I had a Amberlink get out for the first time. She just followed the other 2. So, I'd say you might have one are two that aren't as content as the rest!!

 

I had a six foot fence for my barred rocks many years ago & I had one pet that let herself in & out everyday. Nothing would keep her in until I covered it with deer netting.

 

I have a barn that has joists that are 8 foot off the ground I have some of my free ranging chickens roosting on the joists at night..
Now the Larger breeds ( Brahma, Reds, Wyandottes, etc. ) are roosting about 6 1/2 feet off the ground.

Chris