Setting up a chicken run..

[jimijames]

Hello.

I am new to raising chickens but am very excited.

I have a question regarding putting up the fence, I have already built my coop.

I am thinking of using landscape timbers fro posts due to the cost, they seem to be fairly cheap. My question is, should I be using cement to secure them in the ground?

Also, should I put the fence down in the ground (below the surface a few inches)?

thanks!

Jimijames

 

[janieschicks]

I've been wondering the same, they look about the same to me and they are much cheaper. I was think of using them for the corners and t post in between?
Are you going to use hardware cloth or chicken wire?

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
You can use LST if you so choose,Yes you should use cement unless you plan to move it or them in the future.

Yes you should put the fence in the ground at least a foot or two deep I would use hardware cloth or 1/2" welded wire for a fenceing if you go with the welded wire I would use hardware cloth about 2 to three feet up on it so the chickens are protected they won't be able to stick there head out and lose it to a ddog or something and it makes it harder for Racoons and other things such as that reach in and grab them.

Good luck to you

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
LST will work fine for you as well just be sure to secure it tightly to it and never use just chicken wire, it is great to keep chickens in but not so much for keeping things out of it dogs open it up like it's a hot knife going through butter so you should always use welded wire 1/2" and hardware cloth...

Good luck to you

 

[jimijames]

I never thought of using hardware cloth, makes sence, I do have critters that roam the area. thanks for the advice!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Instead of burying the wire, you can create an apron as shown on this link. It is a lot easier than burying the wire and I think more effective.

Alberta Aprons
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex916

I use J-clips to attach the apron wire to the bottom of the run. Some people use hog rings.

I used 2" x 4" welded wire for my run fencing. It is heavy enough that dogs and coyotes cannot get through it and it is cheaper than the hardware cloth. I did put chicken wire along the bottom 18" of the run so the chickens cannot stick their heads out and get them taken off, again attaching with J-clips.