Height of fence in run

[spacecowgirl]

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Haha! That's sweet! I kind of want to do that, too, but my husband ( and kids, and friends, and neighbors ) would definately think I'd flipped my lid, then!

Seems like a good idea though....

As far as the fencing goes, one of my hens repeatedly flew over our 5 1/2 foot fence, several times a day. The others never have. We strung up another 3 feet ( this thing is Tall! ) and she still escapes through a small gap above the gate door, which is also over 5 feet tall...we are covering the gap hopefully this weekend.

 

[Angiebubs]

Ok soo HELP! lol Im getting discouraged I will never get this done and safe. What about if I put up some type of netting from the top of the 5 ft fence to the upper side of the barn to cover the run? Netting like fabric finshing net stuff? no idea what its called. jsut trying to do this as economically as possible while still keeping them as safe as I can.

 

[Patricia Jane]

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They have an aviary netting that you can use that isn't too expensive. I would certainly cover it. I have a leghorn that I clipped her wing and she still got over the fence before I had a top put on it. If you don't want to cover it make sure there are places that they can run and hide if needed. Hawks are pretty quick even when someone is out with them. Only takes a few seconds to harm your babies. Wish you all the luck and enjoy your babies.

 

[Angiebubs]

Just found another post that recommended bird netting from Lowes at like 14. for 7 x 100 or 6.00 for 14 x 14...so thinking that is the way to go. Thanks for all the input!

 

[atomic_chicken]

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A small price to pay for a good nights sleep not worrying about your birds.

 

[perchie.girl]

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Get some deer netting. Or the kind of net you put over fruit trees to keep the birds out. Not only is it cheap but it will literally disappear once hung up and wont be an eyesore if you stretch it or suport it every so often. Fruit tree net strong enough a cat could walk on it but if a dog decided to jump your fence it would go right through. Deer netting would withstand it I believe. I had a dog who could climb a six foot chain-link fence in about ten seconds.

BTW Clipping wings is only a last resort. You are right it makes them more vulnerable to attack by predators. Those who are considering it should clip both wings not just one though. This will allow them to motor down from a high perch and give them some ability to escape predators.

Dont be discourage there is always an answer sometimes it comes at you from the side you were least expecting it....

 

[Angiebubs]

Thanks all.....so thinking netting is the way to go. I just want this thing done! (Had a scare worrying if I had lead paint, 2 test kits later & $50 later...both came back negative-didnt have a "control" or anything with lead to make sure it was working).
DH and I ook today off work and going to paint, finsih up the inside coop door, pour cement by barn door to get rid of any gap below the door, fix the window latches, so on...hoping that by tonight we have something close to being finished. Next weekend, the netting will go up for the outside run.
Thanks for all the encouragement and advice

 

[teach1rusl]

I think your rocks and cochins will be fine. I'm not familiar with dorkings and polish - whether they're flighty or not. I only have a four ft. fence, and my birds have NEVER flown over the fence, even my d'uccles (which can fly VERY well). I would wait and see as to whether you need to worry or not. It's fine to have a plan in place "in case," but don't stress about it too much until you have to.