Wattle fence

[Mister B]

So, I have been looking at ways to make fence so I can let my chickens out in my garden area. I just want them out for a few hours in the evening. I don't want to put them on the pasture yet, it's not ready. Problem is I am out of funding for my chicky poos right now (other than food) so, I have been researching wattle fencing. I have a stack of grape vine (Muscadines) clippings from this winter I didn't burn. I thought I could make a nice fence 3-4 ft tall to encircle my garden and fruit trees. Has anyone done this before?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/make-simple-garden-fences.aspx#axzz30tkaHkrm

Here is a nice link!

Also deer fencing may be something you could put up around your areas as a temporary solution to keep your chickens out...tends to be about $20 for 100 feet (7 feet high). You can use homemade fence posts to hold it up.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Deer-X-7...lypropylene-Protective-Fencing-DX-7/202871745

 

[Mister B]

I thought about the deer fencing, but I want something a little more permanent and something that looks, "rustic". However, I might put some on the inside of the fence. I could let the little ones out then. I think I will incorporate some deer netting.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I thought about the deer fencing, but I want something a little more permanent and something that looks, "rustic". However, I might put some on the inside of the fence. I could let the little ones out then. I think I will incorporate some deer netting.

Yes that plastic stuff kind of gets brittle in the sun with age...but good enough for the short term. I use plastic fencing to protect my blueberries.

 

[Mister B]

I was thinking of planting some vining plants along the fence as well, maybe something chickens can eat. Peas? or blackberries maybe? Hmmm. All kind of ideas. Thanks for your help.

 

[cracked egg]

The wattle fence is cool,I tried it once and found out just how much material is really needs and never finished the job. I went with the plastic deer fence stuff as well. The only problem I have with the deer fencing is if something like a dog or turkey goes through it chicks can get tangled up in it. Keep a eye on it and it should be fine.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I was thinking of planting some vining plants along the fence as well, maybe something chickens can eat. Peas? or blackberries maybe? Hmmm. All kind of ideas. Thanks for your help.

My chickens just totally LIVE under the grapevines in the summer. They love them. Blackberries can be invasive (they are everywhere around here) so research them first is my advice. But we love the blackberries. I wouldn't want to be without them. But they do spread everywhere. You are welcome!

 

[Mister B]

I had the same thought about blackberries after I said it. We have lots of muscadine vines (I'll be using them to make the fence). I may plant some on the outside and train them over the top of the fence to get double duty. I was thinking of using some Forsythia as well. That stuff grows fast and the canes are very pliable. Any other ideas for fence helper plants? I usually only plant things I can eat parts of. Can't eat Forsythia, but it will come in handy for the fence, so I will make an exception.

 

[Sarevan]

We have to cut back growth in our driveway a section of it has so much it looks almost like a tunnel. Besides the garbage truck driver is starting to complain.

This post gave me ideas to make a climbing arbor, twig screen for the gazebo, or a shield panel for the wood shed. Besides movable wind break, shade for the chicken run. Or even supports in the garden for plants. The stuff we have to cut back is red willow, alder, and some baby aspen I am going to try to transplant ( I like the way the leaves sound in the wind). I am sure we will have a very large pile of clippings.

For frame and the weaving we have scrap 2x2's, and other wood just piled waiting to be put to use in some project. I don't work anymore so this would keep me busy tinkering with materials to make something useful. Better than just burning the pile and making chicken dust bath materials.

Thanks for making this thread!

*** Sister just told me she is getting a wisteria, so guess we will be making something for it to cling to. Will be a good cover for the barb wire fencing we have around the house. I guess I shouldn't have been telling her about this wattle post, she gets as many ideas as I do to try somethings around the property, lol. ***

 

[Mister B]

Thanks! That reminds me. I was wondering where I would get the posts, but I just remembered we got a WHOLE pile of pallets the other day. I could use the wood from them. Ready to build now. Well, as soon as I get these grades in the computer for the kiddies.