Opinions needed for chicken enclosure

[Viksceeks]

I have a 40ft by 27ft area that I would like to chicken proof. I have 8 chickens total. Their coop is pretty much predator proof and I lock them up every night. I had them free range but they have recently been exploring my neighbors garden... the chain link is 3ft on 2 sides and other 2 sides are 6ft wood. There is plants on both chain link.
I would like to put aviary netting across the whole thing too
How would you go about chicken proofing it? I'm thinking electric fence but idk much about them and I have children. Extending the fence? I don't have much money to spend on proofing so I would love some ideas

 

[Viksceeks]

I'm also thinking about clipping wings. I'm not a fan of it really, I've never done it but I'm wondering if it would work better in the long run

 

[igorsMistress]

Netting would keep the chickens from going over, no need for electric fence if you just want to keep the birds in.

 

[Viksceeks]

Netting would keep the chickens from going over, no need for electric fence if you just want to keep the birds in.

Would simply clipping wings not work? The plants are going to make extending the fence difficult

 

[Peppercorngal]

It sounds like your concern is more about keeping your chickens in your yard than any worry over predators. They will not stay in an area that they feel is too small. Chickens like to roam and scratch and roam some more. They are naturally curious. I'd first put a 3 foot "topper" on the current fence, or a 4 foot one. I have only a 4 foot fence and my chickens have NEVER tried to jump it or fly over it even though they can do both. They have so much room that they are content to wander inside the fencing. I do have a 7 foot fence around my garden which is just on the other side of the Chicken run as they "eye" the garden constantly and would love to get in it! I'm not sure what would work for you so I would start by making the fences as tall as you can afford and if that doesn't work, go from there. I do not suggest electric fence if you have children, too many things can go wrong there! Good Luck

 

[igorsMistress]

Would simply clipping wings not work? The plants are going to make extending the fence difficult

Yes but do both wings so they aren't off kilter if they flap their wings while trying to escape a predator. You can also extend that short fence up by attaching deer netting on the inside, 4 feet is high enough. They can't see the top so won't fly over I've been told.

 

[Sequel]

In my experience I think there is no substitute for good fencing. Rolls of welded wire or even chain link can be found cheap sometimes on Craigslist or a Habitat for Humanity store. There are local Facebook groups here for giving stuff away rather than throwing it out.

Good luck! I hope you figure something out that you can handle and keep your birds safe and happy!

 

[Viksceeks]

It sounds like your concern is more about keeping your chickens in your yard than any worry over predators. They will not stay in an area that they feel is too small. Chickens like to roam and scratch and roam some more. They are naturally curious. I'd first put a 3 foot "topper" on the current fence, or a 4 foot one. I have only a 4 foot fence and my chickens have NEVER tried to jump it or fly over it even though they can do both. They have so much room that they are content to wander inside the fencing. I do have a 7 foot fence around my garden which is just on the other side of the Chicken run as they "eye" the garden constantly and would love to get in it! I'm not sure what would work for you so I would start by making the fences as tall as you can afford and if that doesn't work, go from there. I do not suggest electric fence if you have children, too many things can go wrong there! Good Luck

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I could extend the fence another foot easily but with all the plants and the trees right next to the fence, wouldn't they just jump on them and fly over? I haven't experimented much, I usually leave the gate open all the time but I have a few hems who like to fly a little too much lol.

 

[jthornton]

I have a 5' chain link fence and make sure they have plenty of things to do inside the fence.

The big problem now is the ones that know there is greener grass on the other side will be difficult to change their behavior IMHO without making the fence tall enough that they can no longer fly over it.

JT

 

[Peppercorngal]

I could extend the fence another foot easily but with all the plants and the trees right next to the fence, wouldn't they just jump on them and fly over? I haven't experimented much, I usually leave the gate open all the time but I have a few hems who like to fly a little too much lol.

If they think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, yes, they probably will climb the tree to get over. It's difficult to raise happy chickens and keep them contained in a small area at the same time. I'm so happy I have lots of room on my 20 acres! You have to try something and see if it works and if it does not, try something else! I wish you the best!