Keeping chickens in

[Dmfarms2017]

I am putting up a 5ft fence around the front of my property to give our birds more room to roam. I know the fence will keep predators out but how do I go about keeping the birds in? Is it a good idea to clip their wings or will hot rope along the top keep them in?
Our current fence is about 4 1/2 ft, they do not usually try to get out but occasionally a hen trying to evade a rooster will make her way over. We lost one hen this week and don't want to lose more.

 

[Rickba]

The hot wire will not keep 'em in. Them landing on the wire will not shock 'em unless they're grounded also. You'll need to clip their wings. Only clip one side. This will keep 'em off balance and unable to fly. OH, and it will not keep pred's out unless you pred'r proof it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Also, you are not going to keep predators out with a 5' fence around your property. In order to do so, the fence would have to be made of 1/2" hardware cloth, have a buried skirt, and be completely covered over the top. The predators that don't fly are almost ALL very good climbers, or diggers, or both. And a weasel can squeeze through any opening that you could push a quarter through.

The better choice would be a nice large run which IS predator proof. This will allow you to keep your birds safe, while still letting them out to free range when you can guard them. A run is almost a necessity. Needed to train the birds to coop and nest box, and provide safety when predators come calling.

If you do your border fence, WITH electric fence, you will deter many predators, while being able to keep your birds inside if you clip their wings.

Other option: Check out Premier 1 Poultry Electronet.

 

[lazy gardener]

Reading back over your post, if your roo is terrorizing his ladies to the point that they are flying the fence, it may be time to assess whether he is appropriate for your flock. I've never had a hen attempt to fly a fence to avoid a roo.

 

[Dmfarms2017]

The main predators we have here are coyotes and dogs. Most of the fence will be dig proof due to asphalt and railroad ties on the existing driveway.

The problem with the roosters was we ended up with too many. My son sold one yesterday and once the new fence is up we will be sorting the birds into separate areas and adding another coop or two. I've seen the poultry netting but the cost and needing to move it is off putting.
I think clipping their wings is what we will do.
Thank you

 

[Rickba]

Reading back over your post, if your roo is terrorizing his ladies to the point that they are flying the fence, it may be time to assess whether he is appropriate for your flock. I've never had a hen attempt to fly a fence to avoid a roo.

Excellent point. That one got by me.

 

[squadleader]

The way my bird supplier put it, free ranging means accepting there's going to be some predator losses.

I've got a very nice chicken tractor that's completely predator proof, plenty big for my 13 birds, and I pull it once a week giving them fresh grass. I could use it strictly as tractor (what it's designed for), and my birds would never be exposed to predators, and perhaps a day could come that predator pressure forced me to use it as it's intended.

As superior as a tractor is because it constantly provides fresh ground and grass to them within it, at this point, I still free range every single day, all day.

I have this very expensive structure that's being used as little more than a heavily fortified field coop right now.

But I'll also say, it's a lovely feeling being able to let them enjoy their free ranging, and at the same time know they're absolutely safe at night, and if if it's necessary, I can confine them in comfort.

I don't think we can overestimate the additional benefits of free ranging. I'm getting 8 to 10 eggs a day consistently out of 12 hens in the dead of winter. I think it's the free ranging, and quality feed.

On the chicken happiness scale which oddly enough means a great deal to me, there's great joy in providing another creature with a happy life.

I love looking out the window seeing how much they're enjoying themselves and how happy they are, they follow me around and seem very appreciative.

I'll accept the risk of losses, doing what I can to to prevent them, but things would really have to change in regard to predators, for me to even consider confining them back to the tractor.

My glorified, and fortified, Flying Fortress Chicken Tractor!