Is my backyard fence enough?

[tankgirl]

I'm new to chickens but already smitten. I have a typical suburban back yard (about 1/4 acre) that is fenced all around with a six-foot wooden fence. Will that be enough to keep chickens in? Or do I have to build a run for them? I don't care if they mess up my yard, but I don't want them to irk my neighbors.

Thanks!
-Leah

 

[Kevin565]

What breeds?

You also need to check your local ordinances. Most cities will NOT allow a existing backyard fence to qualify as your chicken pen.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Your chickens will need a secure coop to protect them from predators at night. Raccoons are usually resident in suburban environments and will kill chickens if given a chance. It would be good to attach a predator proof run to the coop. This wouldn't have to be very large if you will be letting the chickens out into the larger yard daily, but will still give them a safe place if you cannot be home to monitor.

As for height, most chickens can get over a 6 foot fence if they are determined (except for some of the heavier breeds) but I think most large fowl breeds would not make much of an effort and would stay within the fence boundaries. Bantams and chickens labeled "flighty" tend to be lighter bodied and have better flying ability. My white Leghorn flew 25 feet across the yard and over a 6 foot fence. (Luckily I got to her before the dogs!) Also, if you have a tree or low structure near the fence, these can be used as stepping stones to get over.

 

[tankgirl]

Breeds are negotiable. As I explained in the newbies forum, I adopted two chicks that hatched in my daughter's class. They both turned out to be boys, so I need to get rid of them (one has already been rehomed, the other I'm still trying to place), but I fell so hard for them in the six weeks I've had them that I want more. Taking the chicks was a sort of spontaneous decision, so this time I get to plan a bit better in terms of fencing, breeds, etc.

 

[liz9910]

My girls (about 5 months old) have no problem flying up on my garden fence which is 5 feet tall. I'm sure they could get out of my back yard if they really wanted to.

Elizabeth

 

[ChickNhood]

I have a 6ft wood privacy fence around my yard and it keeps my bird in.. I have 1 of each welsummer redsex link and black autralorp...i also have 2 brahma bantams...none of them escape...i even have a section missing that is only covered with 4ft chicken wire and have no escapes...going over anyways...i have one panel missing a couple boards that the used to squeez through but with boards replaced no problems...


I must admit though I am not in compliance with city ordances as thry must be contained in a run or coop at all time.. But im a rebel living on the edge...and I simply dont care and neither do my neighbors...the love the eggs!

 

[tankgirl]

As for height, most chickens can get over a 6 foot fence if they are determined (except for some of the heavier breeds) but I think most large fowl breeds would not make much of an effort and would stay within the fence boundaries.

Thanks for the advice! I've been cooping them at night to keep them safe (we have raccoons), but letting them have the run of my back yard during the day. We do have shrubbery around the edges of the yard ... I hadn't thought of that. So far, they've only tried to climb onto things without many obstructions, like chairs. They've stayed away from the shrubs with lots of cross-branches.

I'm so glad I found this place, so I can plan ahead for my replacement HENS.

 

[tankgirl]

Elizabeth, I'm just over the Altamont in Livermore. Do you happen to know anyone who might want a young Australorp rooster ... and who won't eat him?!

 

[beththornton]

I have 7 Barred Rock hens who are surely full grown, born April 3. They are delightful. My coop has a run + hen house all enclosed, one unit. I want to move this coop/run into a fenced area 50 x 30 feet so that I can let the hens out to have some freedom to run around more during the day. The fence is a 4 ft chain link. I am very attached to these ladies. Am I crazy to do this? The whole area has large trees in the country.

Smitten Chicken Mama,
Beth Thornton

 

[Wishing4Wings]

I have 7 Barred Rock hens who are surely full grown, born April 3. They are delightful. My coop has a run + hen house all enclosed, one unit. I want to move this coop/run into a fenced area 50 x 30 feet so that I can let the hens out to have some freedom to run around more during the day. The fence is a 4 ft chain link. I am very attached to these ladies. Am I crazy to do this? The whole area has large trees in the country.

Smitten Chicken Mama,
Beth Thornton

Hi

Welcome to BYC! I have one BR and love her. Such a character and so friendly.

Any time you let them out you are risking a day time predator attack. A 4 foot fence might keep the chickens in, but will not keep a fox out, and hawks can be a problem as well. That said, every day I let my girls out into a 60' x60' fenced, uncovered yard that has lots of low trees for cover. So far we have not had any problems, but I live in a little rural neighborhood, so a predator would have to go through the neighbor's yard before getting into mine. I also have dogs on the property that are deterrents, and the local crows seem to keep the hawks away. The chickens hate being kept in the run, so I risk them being out, but I may feel different if anything bad ever happens.

To be extra cautious, you could try letting them out for a short while in the evening when you can be around to supervise. When it starts to get dark, they'll head back to the coop for the night. Or maybe build them a mobile chicken tractor for extra safety. Fair warning though, once they get a taste of the outdoors, they will not be satisfied to stay in their run!