I need an opinion about fence height

[danepup]

Hi,

Hi everyone!

I'm taking everyone's advice and fencing off a section of my newly renovated "dog yard" (even though I was originally resistant to the idea) so that my girls have some free roam space in the hardscape that I have. Originally I thought I needed to keep them cooped since all I have for them is rock. My exterior fence is 5' tall black chain link (you can see it in the picture). I've read that to semi-thwart a determined chicken from flying over, one should have a 6' tall fence or better yet, a 10' tall fence. I'm not going to muddy up the aesthetic of my yard with a 10' fence and I'd love it if I could have the same height as my parameter fence of 5', so I am wondering what folks think. Should I just suck it up and go 6' (that's the tallest the company makes anyway) and accept that this small section will be a foot taller than my outside fence (and maybe it won't look that bad since they're not right next to one another), or do you think I could manage 5'?

Part of my thought is that if the girls have enough bugs to forage around for and a Coop Apartment that brings them joy, they won't try to fly over into the "dog yard." I'm providing photos of the coop and the outline of the fence (the opening is where there will be a gate) and a picture of the fence type. The first batch of chicks that I have (8 weeks old) have been in an X pen to forage that has slats about the same size as the fence I'm looking to purchase, so I am not concerned about the style and them squeezing through. I have Great Danes so I am also not concerned about them squeezing through. Also, the "gray color" on the coop was just painted today and it's primer. I also have to add two more egg boxes and another egg collection doors since I just bought three more baby chicks and I read I should have at least three, if not four, nest boxes for them. If anyone thinks I can safely get away with two, let me know. Now's the time to make changes if I need to. I'll have a total of 9 hens by the time everyone is raised up and out in their fancy home (that I hope is done soon).

I need to make a fence decision fairly soon so any thoughts are appreciated. Oh, and I'll be locking the girls up in their coop at night IF I have them out in their yard for recess during the day (and I live in town so likely fewer predators than if I were in the country - but I know not completely absent of predators). Thank you.

Alissa

 

[igorsMistress]

Go with 6’ if you’re doing chain link. I’ve had even heavy birds manage to get over a five foot fence a few times.

 

[danepup]

Go with 6’ if you’re doing chain link. I’ve had even heavy birds manage to get over a five foot fence a few times.

It's not chain link, but somewhat similar. I provided a photo of the product, but I'll put you on the 6' team. Thank you! I have all heavy breeds but definitely would hate for them to jump over and become a super fun toy for the dogs.

 

[igorsMistress]

It's not chain link, but somewhat similar. I provided a photo of the product, but I'll put you on the 6' team. Thank you! I have all heavy breeds but definitely would hate for them to jump over and become a super fun toy for the dogs.

My apologies, you sure did!

Definitely 6’ unless you think the dogs would be enough to dissuade the chickens from going over.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Being realistic they can get over 6', especially lighter/younger birds. If possible, I'd do 5' and then 1' of floppier fencing angled in to deter them from going over, as most chickens that are trying to fly over something will look to land at the top before going over, so that would make it more difficult to do that than a 6' fence.

 

[Tonyroo]

That fencing photo almost looks fake or rendered. But go with 6 ft.

My tallest fence was 5 ft on one side and 3 ft on the other. My chickens sometimes went over the 3 ft side just to look around but came right back in the yard.

 

[Shadrach]

A fox will scale that fence easily. A lot of chickens, especially juveniles can clear a six foot fence.
Eight feet fence with an anti climb outward leaning overhang is what I would go for.

 

[FrostRanger]

Mine could clear a 6ft fence fairly easily. Imma actually suggest you cover your run with netting or something

 

[rosemarythyme]

Imma actually suggest you cover your run with netting or something

This would be even better, and would completely remove the concern of fly outs. You could use your coop roof as the main support through the center, and slope down from there.

 

[StinkyAcres]

They will see the grass in the neighbor's yard and want to get to it, so I like the idea of heavy duty netting on top. If you can't do that, go for a fence without a solid top rail.

By the way, a couple grazing boxes would work great in the flat area and would provide your chickens with extra greens and entertainment.