Putting chicken wire over field wire

[Meesh]

Hi,

I have an 8' fence made out of field wire (woven 4" squares) enclosing an old garden. I would like to make this area good for the chickens to free range in during the daytime - to get outside of their regular run space.

Would I need a layer of chicken wire around the bottom of the fence to encourage the chickens to stay in, and if so, how tall would it need to be? I would like to put at least 2' of chicken wire around the bottom of the fence to discourage feral cats from coming in. Should I go higher with the chicken wire?

Thanks!
Michelle

 

[silkiechicken]

For big adult hens, they may not go though the 4 inch mesh, and two feet of chicken wire would probably keep them in if they have no "goodies" to be found on the outside of the fence. You can always try and see if it works to keep them in. As for keeping things out. Cat's are probably the least of your worries. Worry about dogs, foxes, cyotes, coons and so on, things with real big teeth! As all those things can climb, jump, or tear though chicken wire.

 

[Churkenduse]

I agree with silkie, I have a 19 y/o cat (that is old) who can jump straight up over 3' with no trouble.

If you are ging to leave them alone I would make sure they are in a covered run, I have that, it is more trouble but how much trouble would you go to keep you flock safe, I am sure a lot.

 

[Meesh]

Thanks - Good to know that 24 or 36" of chicken wire along the bottom might keep the chickens in. I am pretty sure the 8 foot high field wire fence will keep out dogs, bobcats, etc.

There will also be a fully enclosed run with the coop. I really want them to be able to free range part of the time, tho.

Cheers,
Michelle

 

[patandchickens]

Do you have raccoons? Raccoons will go right thru/over that fence no problem. And if it is just a normal plain fence, dogs coyotes foxes etc can dig underneath if they wish. Hawks, of course, will be unimpressed at all

Good luck,

Pat

 

[Meesh]

Hi Pat,

There may be some racoons around, but I'd be very suprised to see them in daytime. The racoon hunters go through our area and hunt them out several times each year. At night the chickens will be locked in the henhouse, which is the most likely time for racoons to trouble us.

I had planned to do electric on the fence for both the run and the free range area to deter any stray dogs (uncommon in our area). Not sure if that will keep out foxes? They are such small, stealthy creatures.

Our neighbors caught a fox in their skunk trap, I am planning to leave live animal traps out as well.

Cheers,
Michelle