I have birds that keep wandering in the road! Please Help!

[Livia Stouffer]

I have around 30 birds (counting turkeys) and I let all but the silkies and babies they are rearing, free range. I feel obligated to do this because of how many birds I have my "run" can only be used as a nightime coop from the amount of birds I have. But they keep wandering into the road, I've already lost a wyandotte because of this. I've tried only letting them out when I'm out there but 25 birds are too many to keep track of the entire time and a handful keep sneaking out there anyway. I know my neighbors are fed up with them, and they have a dog who would eat them if they ever got too close, and they would like to let him run around the yard without having to worry about my escaped birds. I'm mostly worried about causing a car accident because of my wandering hens. I really need help trying to figure this out, I have a lot of pressure on me finding a solution, but everything I try has fallen short.

 

[Kiki]

Build a fence with hot wires all around.
Or don't let your birds free range.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Unfortunately, the only way to stop it is to fence them in. Poultry netting may be a viable/economical option for you.

 

[Livia Stouffer]

Build a fence with hot wires all around.
Or don't let your birds free range.

I do have a fence, but it's only 4 feet tall and the birds just hop right over or go to some of the weaker spots where they can fit through the holes. And we don't have the money right now to replace it all or add hot wires.

And my run is 30' by 8', and from what I read, that isn't enough room for it to be a full time run for my 30 birds. I also feel guilty that they're just left in there all day with nothing to do.

 

[Gooseface]

Reduce the amount of birds you keep so they can all fit comfortably in the run?

 

[Livia Stouffer]

I am getting rid of a few birds, but I'm planning on raising turkeys next spring to sell, do you think 5-8 turkey poults for their first year will fit in an 8' by 8' coop with a few silkies?

 

[Meg-in-MT]

General rule of thumb is 10sq feet of run space per bird. I would go higher than that if they were not allowed to free range. Even higher if you have turkeys.

 

[LaFleche]

I really need help trying to figure this out, I have a lot of pressure on me finding a solution, but everything I try has fallen short.

we don't have the money right now to replace it all or add hot wires.

Sell some of your birds and you will have the money to keep the others safe and yours neighbours unmolested.

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

You can check Craigslist or your NextDoor group for fencing materials, sometimes you can find a bargain.

 

[Livia Stouffer]

I also have so many because I sell my eggs, so I'm a little hesitant to reduce my flock, but overall I just want them to be comfortable, happy, and safe. So I'll take whatever measures necessary to do that.