- Jul 1, 2014
- 7
- 0
- 7
We have 8 hens, an 8x4 coop, and an 8x10 completely hardware-clothed run with a human sized door. I have been throwing back and forth how and if I will let these ladies "free-range". Since I am in the 'burbs I really cant let them migrate through neighbors yards and such. The coop is nestled into the woods, which is uneven ground, full of brush and trees of course. I was thinking of a moveable fencing system that I could change the enclosed area if needed, but it would always come off the run door.
Has anyone done this in the woods? There is no open grassy area really. I am concerned about cost of MORE materials, daytime predators (we always lock up at night), and the chickens flying over the fence. I am sure this question has been asked about a thousand times on here lol. I think most of my girls are heavy breeds- 1 RIR, 1 black australorps, 4 EE, 1 German Spitzhauen, and 1 Barred rock. Also, I am not supposed to have a rooster in my township, though my BR might be one, they are too young to tell.
So my questions are,
1. what do you use to fence with that wont cost me a million?
2. when did you start letting them free range ( mine are 9 and 14 weeks).
3. Do you clip wings?
4. also, a little off topic, anyone have more than 8 hens in a coop/run my size? Just curious.
And if there are other things I should think about don't hesitate to mention them!
Has anyone done this in the woods? There is no open grassy area really. I am concerned about cost of MORE materials, daytime predators (we always lock up at night), and the chickens flying over the fence. I am sure this question has been asked about a thousand times on here lol. I think most of my girls are heavy breeds- 1 RIR, 1 black australorps, 4 EE, 1 German Spitzhauen, and 1 Barred rock. Also, I am not supposed to have a rooster in my township, though my BR might be one, they are too young to tell.
So my questions are,
1. what do you use to fence with that wont cost me a million?
2. when did you start letting them free range ( mine are 9 and 14 weeks).
3. Do you clip wings?
4. also, a little off topic, anyone have more than 8 hens in a coop/run my size? Just curious.
And if there are other things I should think about don't hesitate to mention them!