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JG weed whacker need ideas

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by LoneCowboy, Jan 20, 2008.

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  1. Jan 20, 2008 #1
    LoneCowboy

    LoneCowboy Songster

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    I have this idea to use my new Jersey Giants (that I'm going to be hatching [​IMG] ) as weed whackers. They are so big, and I figure I'd let them free range most of the time. But I want to concentrate them in one area so they will keep the fence line grasses down. So I need something like a chicken tractor, but not that confining.

    Something easily moved and reconstructed. Like snow fence almost. It's not really to protect them as much as to keep them in one particular area of the yard.

    I'm worried about the Roo attacking my sissy great dane, thought. [​IMG]
     
  2. Jan 20, 2008 #2
    silkiechicken

    silkiechicken Staff PhD Premium Member

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    I have some birds on weed duty in my future garden plot. I just use plain T posts and 3 foot tall wire to keep them in... they easily fly over the part of the fence that's 5 feet tall, but even the 18 inch section stumps them and they stay in for the most part.
     
  3. Jan 20, 2008 #3
    LoneCowboy

    LoneCowboy Songster

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    Can Jerseys fly much? I'd think they would be too heavy. I'm not overly concerned about them getting out, I just like them to get an idea of where I want them to work that day. You know, the old chain gang thing [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2008
  4. Jan 20, 2008 #4
    featherfooted

    featherfooted Songster

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    I don't think Jersey giants can fly. If they are anything like Brahmas, a 3' fence will keep them where you want them. My Brahmas have to jump on other things to get any where high, sort of like steps.
     
  5. Jan 20, 2008 #5
    ZuniBee

    ZuniBee Songster

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    I've never seen them fly. Three feet should be sufficient for Giants.

    For fence weed control I think I would use the PVC pipe brace with chicken wire. Make it like a very long soccer goal...a back and two ends. THen just use the fence you want to keep weeded as the other side of the pen....
     
  6. Jan 20, 2008 #6
    CovenantCreek

    CovenantCreek Chicks Rule!

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    Things for temporary confinement:
    toddler play "yard" w/ extensions (as many as needed)
    large dog x-pen, will need more than one

    Unfortunately, they aren't exactly inexpensive options. You could possibly use a roll of the black fencing w/ stakes built in (used during construction to mark the septic field or to hold back silt from flowing into the neighbor's yard or onto a street). Usually found in the fencing section of HD, Lowe's, or other home improvement centers. I suppose how much of a hassle it would be to move it regularly would depend on how long you need the barrier to be.
     

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