Texas

[magpiesing]

What are you using to cover the area with to keep the chickens from flying over the 6ft fence? I've been thinking about making an enclosed area for specialty breeds.

Not sure yet. It's 20 x 30 ft so would take alot of fish line to cover. Probably will start with bird net and maybe part shade cloth. Half of the yard is under trees so gets shade until late in the day. I know it will get covered with leaves this fall so want something that is cheap to replace. Also thought of chicken wire then take a leaf blower and blow the leaves off from underneath. But for now gonna go cheap. Will probably have some type of simple PVC frame to keep it from sagging. Only two of my big birds and two of the bantam can make it over the 4ft. Once the 6ft is up I think the only one that might still get over would be the sebright she is a good flyer.

 

[Ms Jellybean]

Not sure yet. It's 20 x 30 ft so would take alot of fish line to cover. Probably will start with bird net and maybe part shade cloth. Half of the yard is under trees so gets shade until late in the day. I know it will get covered with leaves this fall so want something that is cheap to replace. Also thought of chicken wire then take a leaf blower and blow the leaves off from underneath. But for now gonna go cheap. Will probably have some type of simple PVC frame to keep it from sagging. Only two of my big birds and two of the bantam can make it over the 4ft. Once the 6ft is up I think the only one that might still get over would be the sebright she is a good flyer.

I am thinking of using this.

 

[magpiesing]

Do you have large fowl? Everything from my EE's, production blacks and reds, welsummers, brown leghorns easily fly over my 5 foot fence with plenty of air to spare...even with a clipped wing.

My chickens do free range quite a bit so maybe their flying ability is better than average?

As a long time chicken owner, I can tell you that six foot is not tall enough to ensure chickens won't fly over....

Yep out of 20 birds all are big but the 4 bantams. They free ramge under supervision except for the 4 escapers, they do as they please. I have no doubt that the sebright can clear the 6ft fence. Plus I have 1 month old pullets and I'm not taking any chances with them once they are big enough to go in the yard. We have hawks.

 

[TammyTX]

Not sure yet. It's 20 x 30 ft so would take alot of fish line to cover. Probably will start with bird net and maybe part shade cloth. Half of the yard is under trees so gets shade until late in the day. I know it will get covered with leaves this fall so want something that is cheap to replace. Also thought of chicken wire then take a leaf blower and blow the leaves off from underneath. But for now gonna go cheap. Will probably have some type of simple PVC frame to keep it from sagging. Only two of my big birds and two of the bantam can make it over the 4ft. Once the 6ft is up I think the only one that might still get over would be the sebright she is a good flyer.

I've only heard of fishing line being used to trap hawks because they can't see it. Do you have a hawk problem? They seem to be more aggressive this year. EDITED: you answered while I was writing!

The shade cloth is something I've been considering too. I have a lattice work completely covered chicken run (different from a chicken yard) and I thought about using the shade cloth on the south side attached to the lattice and then attached to the fence.

Thanks and good luck.

 

[Heidisgran]

So...the work begins..getting the 6ft deer fence MsJellybean mentioned. No more escaping chickens and will be able to cover it without investing in as much PVC for cover frame. It will cost twice as much as the 4ft but the peace of mind for the safety of my flock is worth it. Will be pulling up the 4ft fence to put around the garden so it won't go to waste. At least the 4ft poles haven't been in the ground too long so hopefully not to hard to pull them out. The rest of the day is gonna be busy. Great day to all. Magpie

oh my you may want to clip their wings...I have many chickens that roost that high and higher!!

 

[Heidisgran]

Quote:
Ms. Jelly are you getting your birds this weekend? was it this weekend? you referred to previously! what breeds?

 

[Heidisgran]

Quote:
I have reds that would and polish...I always clip wings to be certain

 

[LauriTX]

My grandma's chickens roosted in the trees and those are definitely taller than 6 ft.

 

[Brookshire11]

I guess never say never, right?
I'll have to look at the clipping wings thing

 

[magpiesing]

Erroneous Information....Correction


For those of you who are interested in such things...there will be a total lunar eclipse next Monday and Tuesday(April14-15) night. Totality won't be until 2:45 am Tuesday morning so will have to get up before your chickens if you want to see the best part of it. The moon should be a beautiful red-orange this time. It's called a blood moon and there will be anotherr one this fall. Just FYI.

Had the date right but the day wrong...and the time...what an airhead I am...sorry