Free range chickens

[nancy1zak]

We got the 1 inch by 2 inch 14-guage galvanized wire mesh. I went on the website to double check for you. It is WIRECLOTHMAN.COM. I think I told you wireman.com. Then you click on the tab at the top right...ONLINE STORE. Then click on galvanized welded wire on the list on the left. You will see all the sizes they have. Once you click on the size, you can see what options are available as far was width and how much do you need. 50 feet, 100 feet, etc. You can get the 1 x 2 inch galvanized welded wire with a pvc coating if you order 100 feet. We only needed 50 ft. So we just got the galvanized.

 

[mangled]

We were able to get 1/2 x 1/2 hardware cloth in a 50 ft x 4 foot size from our local Lowe's for $46.99. So far, our coons, possum, fox, etc., haven't penetrated it.

Good luck!
Em

 

[Jenski]

Come on now, you may just as well have some fencing left over - - because you WILL end up getting more chickens, expanding coops runs, etc., etc. We started with four nice laying hens, and we now have three coops and runs. *sigh*

We did not cover the bottoms of the pens with wire, since the birds love to scratch. We did, however, use paving stones around the bottom (on the outside). We used 1/2" hardware cloth on 2 x 4 frames for the runs. Two of the pens are covered in tinted polycarbonate sheets to keep out rain, and the coop with the porch has 1 x 2" wire fencing on top of the run, supported by 2 x 4 beams and held down with the large plastic "zip ties."

We have had various animals test the runs, even here in the suburbs. I check every day for digging, scratching, etc. while I am feeding the hens just as a matter of habit.

Best of luck with your hens! They are so enjoyable.

 

[rachelbinnc]

I just wanted to say a few things about free-ranging, because I know that is part of your plan. For nine of the ten months I've had my chickens, I loved it. The chickens were happy, the eggs were delicious, and the yard was pest free. However, if you choose to free range (even during the day), you have to be prepared to lose some chickens to predators. We lost 4 a month ago to some stray dogs and I know that if we keep free ranging we'll lose some to hawks. I'm now using a movable tractor so that the girls have a free-rangish experience but still stay safe during the day. Because it is harder to secure a movable tractor, the girls are still going to go into the Fort Knox coop at night (completely covered in hardware cloth, including apron).

Anyway, it is just a thought. Our girls are dear pets, so we're not going to risk any more losses. Good luck!

 

[oldchickenlady]

I know I will lose some...I hate it but with 12 chickens it would be hard to build a tractor that was big enough for them and still be able to move it. We'll see how it goes. I may change my mind. This is a project in progress...I did go buy all my supplies yesterday to start the run. After a trip to the chiropractor this morning I will start on it and I hope to get it done by the end of the day. I was going to make it 12x10, but decided to make it 10x10 instead to cut down on the cost of materials some. Since they wont be in it all the time (once they are grown) I thought that would be ok. I would like to be able to move it also, so smaller will be easier. I'll take pictures as I go and I hope it wont be too freaking funny!