temp fence idea

[birdbrain2]

i am planning on letting chickens free range around yard. but i don't have a fence. and i don't want one. i also would like to keep them in the yard and out of neighbors. so here is what i am thinking of doing this spring/summer. i have seen a lot of threads about pvc tractors and other uses, i saw one idea on making hinges out of pvc. so then i am going to make rectangles with legs on one corner for stability and connect each rectangle to each other with pvc hinges. then use green vinyl poultry fencing as fencing. i can then put fence out in any configuration and when done fold it all up like a map or folding ruler. of coarse it won't be pred. proof. but just for use while i am out in garden or back yard supervising.

let me know if you have done this or what you think

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[FrChuckW]

You might want to consider a hinged pvc top for it as well. Depending on the breed or breeds of chickens you will have most can clear a 4 foot fence.

But it is a good idea, I saw one made once for a large exercise pen for dogs at a show once.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

It all depends on your chickens.....My first 10 chickens never flew over the fence.....but the next 10 would fly over the fence if they seen something good .....when we made our chicken run that attaches to the coop ...we didnt put a roof on because we thought it was to high for them...6ft..by 6ft..well the little devils would fly up to the top of it and take a rest and then fly down and then hubby had to put a wire cover over it....we live out in the country and have alot of hawks floating around watching....and waiting....You make have to clip a wing....

 

[A.J.'s]

With trimmed wings four feet works fine.

 

[birdbrain2]

yes i thought about them flying over, i plan on getting heavy breeds, but if they do clear the 4 ft. i could cut into the top corners and put in a 3way coupler to give 2 extensions in order to add more height. if birds of prey are a problem which the just might, i could put it in a square form and put tarp or deer netting across the top.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

sounds good to me...

 

[birdbrain2]

i could also just make little ball-n-chains and make my own little chain-gang.

how do birds of prey attack. do they kill and eat on the spot or do they grab and fly away? lets say with a full grown hen. i ask because i wanna know if i have time to defend if i am supervising or would it happen too fast to react?

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

We have trouble with hawks here. They swoop down catch and carry them off. Grown hens and roosters too.

 

[2468Chickensrgr8]

yes and then it becomes a corner diner for the hawks because they know where there an easy meal.....sad but true....and I swear they sit and wait patiently for the right moment....