Run/Fence questions

[geepers6]

I'm very new to raising chickens. I have two barred rocks and four buff orpingtons. They're about 7 weeks old and newly in their coop. The coop itself is roomy enough and ventilated well in this nice weather. Currently I have put up an electric mesh fence which is not on yet. I'm a little bit afraid to use it. One or two of the chickens have already gotten through the fence and I'm afraid they might get stuck in there in a panic if the fence is on. I don't have another run structure in place at this time. Should we get or make some sort of run they can use directly from the coop that isn't electrified? We have loads of predators nearby and I'm afraid that I over think every thing. I already love them!

 

[av8torcrj]

My personal experience with electric mesh for chickens was a little frustrating. I proudly put up the fence from Premier supply the afternoon it arrived and left for a few hours with confidence all would be well. I come home just after dark to find the birds ROOSTING on the fence, it all sagging from their weight. Come to find out they had to be in contact with the earth ( grounded) to receive a shock so they had flown up and were just as happy as a bird on a utility wire. Something had already plucked one off the fence like the drive thru at KFC. That being said, I'd agree that if your birds are at a size which they could get tangled in the lower holes in the netting they would indeed be in for an unpleasant experience until released. They need to learn to respect the fence. Now as for goats... One touch of the wet nose to the netting followed by a vertical helicopter type jump and holler and they will never get near the perimeter again.. Trust me.

 

[geepers6]

Thank you. They haven't roosted on it yet but it certainly saggy. I have a solar charger and I think it's ready today.
Do you think an enclosed run is better, unless we're outside with them?

 

[av8torcrj]

As far as saggy... I put metal t posts at the corners and shored up the fence to it with a string.. Those push in posts with the fence are prettily flimsy as you try to make a turn. I found that fence to be mostly about keeping predators out versus keeping chickens in though obviously its supposed to do both. The birds will be vulnerable from above ( hawks) regardless. Enclosed is always safer, period, so you have to weigh the risks/ benefits. I finally decided I couldn't be a 24 hour babysitter and just accepted an occasional loss. Keep in mind any weeds/ grass touching the fence will weaken the " shock" and if I recall increase the rate of discharge on the batteries at night. I had solar too.