Oppinions needed. Burried run fence, or an apron around the run?

[cheryl98117]

I am finally getting the fence put up for the run today, and I was wondering what way works the best. I have 2"x4" no climb field fencing, I am trying to decide wether to burry the fence 1 foot deep, or make a 1 foot apron around the edges.

In your own experience, what way works the best for you, and why?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Both work the same but dinging the trench is a lot more work an the apron is dangerous for your lawnmower if not completely flat.

 

[cheryl98117]

Well If I do the apron, I was thinking of burrying it about 3-4" in the ground, and just placing the grass back over the apron. If they both work just as well, then I will probably make the apron... I really dont want to dig a 1 foot deep trench around the pre-sunk polls... That just seems like ALOT of work for one person. I still gotta figure out how to hang the fence by myself. lol This should be VERY interesting.

Thanks for your responce!

 

[patandchickens]

A foot deep isn't really deep enough anyhow, as foxes and many dogs and coyotes will cheerfully dig deeper than that.

I'd go for the apron any day. Much much easier to install; also if you're still living there in 10 years, it's easier to inspect and replace if needed (even galvanized wire WILL rust, especially underground).

You can roll back turf to put it underneath, if you are in need of exercise; or top the apron with large pavers; or to pretty much lawnmower-proof it, just turn the outer edge downward and pin it all well down into the grass, so there is nothing for the lawnmower to catch (it will just roll over top)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[WestTexasFarmboy]

I just finished my run (pics on my BYC homepage, they are kinda small) but I used some old chain link fence on the ground, built the run over the top, and left about a 6inch apron from the hardware cloth over the top of the chain link (no pics of that tho). Mower-wise, I think I might put a layer of dirt of the chainlink to sort of cover it up. WAY easier, tho, than digging a trench unless you have a trencher.

 

[cheryl98117]

Thank you Pat, I do think I will use an apron. I didnt even think of staking it down... Oh all the little things I tend to forget. lol

Ok, so here is what I am going to do... Roll back 12-18 inches of turf, about 3 inches deep, lay out fencing "make sure its flat," recruit my little brother to help attach fence to polls, bend bottom to fit for apron, stake apron securely into the ground, roll back turf into place, and top the coop.

Anyone see anything that I missed?

 

[chookchick]

If you want to make your life even easier, just rent a sod cutter to make a strip around the run. Once you figure out how to run the thing, it is a piece of cake! MUCH easier than digging up sod.

 

[cheryl98117]

Quote:
A sod cutter would have been great, and my hands probably wouldnt hurt quite so much. lol I'll keep that in mind for next time.

Putting up fencing by my self was not an easy task... It doesnt help that I was watching a 10 year old who is of no help, and also my DD. Oh well, I'll get the run covered tomorrow, and hopefully get the roof up on the coop.

 

[chickenchalupa]

i have a 2 foot apron around my 8' by 16' run that is covered with 1/2" of soil. We have lots of coyotes in our area and it does a good job keeping them out.

 

[newchicksnducks]

If your afraid the lawn mower may catch the wire, do what I am doing. I am adding dirt on top of the wire that is buried 3 inches down, and will be planting chicken friendly perenials and berries.