Low fences - any advice?

[barkinghills]

We have our flock loose on one acre (safe in the henhouse at night). My problem is we have a very lush garden outside the fences, which are on the low side, about 4 feet. Despite wing clipping I always have a few hens determined to escape every day and rip up the garden. Mostly these are the very light breeds, like leghorns, but I also have others (red star, ameracauna) that are also getting out on a daily basis. Any suggestions? Something I can put along the top of the fence to keep them in?

Also, any suggestions on breeds that don't like to escape so much?

 

[boskelli1571]

Determined buggers aren't they? You can try putting up some plastic mesh fencing. It's not expensive and comes 4' wide. You will need to add some support to your existing fence to hold it up. It really doesn't look bad and should keep the ladies confined.
Breeds like Brahmas - heavy breeds have a harder time flying or fence jumping.

 

[Folly's place]

If you are in a hot climate, some of the heavier breeds might not do well, and they are the birds least likely to fly over a four foot fence. You can add two feet to your fencing somehow; four feet won't protect your birds from dogs or coyotes either. A couple of strands of hot tape would be great, depending on your fence type. Wyandottes, Chanteclers, Plymouth Rocks (not hatchery barred), non-hatchery Marans, Jersey Giants, and other of the same type, are much less likely to fly over your fence. Mary

 

[tcstoehr]

I have the same situation with a 4.5' chain link fence separating the chicken area from my nice garden area. You can get some 7' plastic deer fencing and run it between bamboo poles attached to the fence. That's what I do for one section. On another section I took some 5' 2x4 welded wire fence material and cut it into 2.5' strips. I then attached those strips along the top of the fence which added 2' to the height of the fence. Furthermore, it creates a very scary and precarious landing surface for them to jump onto as they go over. They will not risk it. It has been 100% effective with my dual-purpose breeds. I don't know about a leghorn, they might be able to fly over in one fell swoop.