How to keep hens on THEIR side of the backyard?

[Chicks in Jax]

Hi!
We live in a suburban environment and have 5 hens. We have a long and narrow backyard. I have designated a part of the yard to the hens, an area about 30 ft x 60 ft. Three sides of this area are fenced with 8 ft wood panel.

My problem is how best to fence in the remaining 30 ft. section? I do not want the hens running around in the rest of the backyard.

How do you keep your hens, that are not confined to a run, out of places you don't want them to be?

My husband is hesitant to get electric fencing, since we have 3 young children.

Thank you for any advice you have!!

 

[Aapomp831]

A regular, cheap fence will work just one. It’s really the only way - chickens go where they want.

 

[Aapomp831]

... oops I meant just fine not just one. Stupid me.

 

[flyin-lowe]

Fencing is the only way. Depending on what look you want and and what breeds you have. I have 6 foot fencing in my garden and they jump up and can get over it without a problem. You would likely need 7-8 foot tall fence.

 

[Mimi13]

My chickens do have run of my entire yard and some of them will fly over the field fence into the barn and surrounding horse lots. I think the pickins’ are “gooder” over there. I do let them in a part of my established landscape that has the mulch they so love to “mulch bathe” in. It has the larger plants/bushes like azaleas, mountain laurel and gardenias. It is constructed with old, dilapidated cross ties that are snaky looking. I figure the chickens might keep any slithery things at bay, even though we’ve never had a snake problem, be it the six horses that roam the outer perimeter of the house and yard or the big king snake that lives under the barn.

However, the landscaping along my deck and side yard I do NOT want them in and it is really strange that they don’t jump over a 2’ and 2 1/2’ fence, but they don’t, and I’m thankful. Of course they could if they wanted to.

You don’t really even see the netting in front unless you look really hard. It is held in place by mini t-posts.

Here is a closer look at the netting and t-posts. The wrought iron pieces were already in place as a yard barrier before the chickens came along.

Here is a shot of the section I let the chickens use. See what I mean? It’s not really snaky though.

This is the netting I use. I keep it on hand all the time because I use it for everything. TSC has it and, believe it or not, for plastic, is VERY strong. It isn’t suitable for chicken fencing though. Maybe for top netting, but not around the perimeter.

 

[Chicks in Jax]

Thank you all for your responses!! You have beautiful landscaping, Mimi's Garden! I don't want a permanent fence, so I am going to try the T-post method with the netting. Hopefully a 5 foot barrier will do the trick. Unfortunately the kitchen garden within view of the chicken area might be a very big temptation..