So Now We're Dealing With This

[Raptor Chicken]

So we have a pretty large coop and run for the 6 hens we have. And we've been letting them out to roam in our 24x36' fenced in area in the afternoons and weekends.

Their wings are clipped. But the last two days we're dealing with what you see in the pic.

I partially blame myself because I put the roosting bars in the coop at basically the same height as the 3.5' chainlink fence.

So we're looking for ways to keep them from jumping up on the fence. My first thought was some kind of electric wire I could run along the top. Not electrify the whole fence just the top bar.

IDK what to do. None have escaped but we've had to keep a keen eye on them and physically get them off the top rail if we catch them up there.

Thoughts are welcome...

 

[rosemarythyme]

You could attach some rather floppy fencing (like snow fencing, deer fencing, stiffer bird netting) that sticks up about a foot or so, the idea being that the chickens can't easily land on it to springboard off onto the other side. The fencing can be held in place with bamboo stakes zip tied/wired to the fence posts to hold it in place.

 

[KyCoop]

You could put up a few strands of sting to block them from getting up there. It will be a pain for you ducking under to get in and out but they will learn quickly and you will be able to take it down. Hopefully.
Along with the floppy fencing should have the problem solved.

 

[Genene]

You might want to check out Coyote roll bars.

 

[Percheron chick]

A hot wire on the top will have no impact on the chickens. They must ground the circuit by touching the ground to get shocked. A 3.5' fence is nothing for chickens to get over. A 5' minimum to keep them in.

 

[Chzikken]

Get some plastic ties and attach some wood 2 x 2's to the posts (1' lap). Have them stick up about about 1.5' above your fence.

Use some 1/2" ID Pvc pipe to make a top bar and attach to the wood sticks.

Just a quick and dirty faux fence on top of your existing fence.

 

[WI chickens]

I use orange snow fence for situations like that and it has worked well for me.

 

[perkolator]

I had to fence over the top of my run because of chickens getting out and bobcat getting in. Fence was 5ft with strings above that to simulate it was taller - chickens were just jump/flying right over it (highest I’ve ever seen one jump was from ground to the roof, 7.5ft vertical). I don’t clip any wings so they are faster to get away from any predators