How tall a fence around run?

[LibertyRunMom]

We are moving our babies outside soon & are disputing on how tall the fence needs to be around the run. How tall does/should a fence be to keep the girls inside the run? do any of you clip wings instead of a tall fence? (DH will not cover the run, so I'm praying that we will find other ways to keep the hawks out.)

 

[al6517]

After several attacks he will come around, most birds can fly right out of a 6' fence, that is why mine are allways covered to a 7' walk in height for maint purposes.

AL

 

[ssteiner]

It's partially dependent on what type of birds you have. Bantams are quite adept at flying because they're so light. The heavier breeds will have a tougher time with anything more than 5 feet. It's also a function of how bored they are, I find. If they've got plenty to do, they're less likely to want to explore. As for covering, consider bird netting. It's cheaper and easier than actual fenced coverings, and works to keep out the hawks. Good luck.

Scott
Orange, CA, USA

 

[cocosandy]

check out www.bird-x.com and look at the things that they have that deter hawks. I have a big owl with a bobbing head that Ive had for years, and also a flashing predator night deterrent.
I just ordered the 3-d lifelike coyote from here and the urine powder! I got some of the hanging bird flashers...I think they call them eyes.
We have lots of hawks and the rooster is good at running around like a crazy guy when one comes near...My birds freerange and Im sure Ive lost a couple of babies to birds of prey. I lost adults to a bobcat and a coon.
But Ive been very lucky. Just put some deterrents up and if the run is deep and narrow enough the hawks wont even bother.
you can run some wires across the top...or better, some of the shiny ribbon that they have in the predator visual deterrent section. Just be sure to put them in at dusk to prevent the other predators from getting them!

I prefer to allow them to have flight because it allows them to get away from predators. Ive had chickens fly up to a tree and stay there all night...and it saved them! But if youre trying to keep them in....I dunno...
you may have to clip 'em. One thing about chickens is that they come back. So if they know where home is, if they fly out they will come back to the coop .

 

[LibertyRunMom]

Thanks everyone! I've been checking into all kinds of deterrents from reading on this site - I love where someone says they look like they're having a baby shower all the time due to the mylar balloons!

I will have to deal w/whatever dh feels we can afford and will have to work w/that, but I know he'd listen to "experts" first.

We have black australorps - I think they get pretty heavy. Unfortunately, our run is going to be a big square around the coop, no "deep & narrow". I'm really trying to talk him into the netting. & will check out the website mentioned.

 

[Me + Peeps]

Definitely go with the netting it is not very expensive and it keeps other small birds from infecting yours with parasites.

 

[joebryant]

Make it at least six feet tall. Knock DH in the head, and kick him to Home Depot to buy some kind of cover.

 

[big greg barker]

Go at least 6 feet. I have a couple Austrolorps that have learned to climb the fence. They flap real hard and walk up the fence to get over it. It's funny to watch, but a pain in the *** to get them back in..........

 

[kipper]

I wouldn't even consider an uncovered run, I know too many people who have lost their chicks and chickens to hawks and bald eagles. I saw a HUGE bald eagle circling above our house yesterday, looking for an easy snack. I would feel terrible if one of my chicks was on the menu.

 

[LibertyRunMom]

Quote:
Now that's funny!!