Hi everyone,
I am new this year to chickens. I have a small flock of 2 buff orpingtons, 1 australorp and 1 "easter Egger" (who lays brown eggs.) We purchased a prefab coop with attached run from TSC and while I like it, I feel that my birds need more space, like most chicken owners I would imagine! I live in a residential area, and we are not allowed to "free range" our flock. I ignored that rule for a bit, and allowed my chickens out when I was supervising either from the backyard or from the kitchen where I could see them at all times. A neighbor complained, so I decided to put up a fence. A permanent fence is a no-go (husband has vetoed this idea), so I also purchased a movable fence from Premier 1. So far, this is working well. I had to clip wings so they would stop flying over it (though the EE still does occasionally), but I am able to move it around the yard so they get some outside time but are still contained and can't bother the neighbors. The problem is that now my chickens are very unhappy whenever they are confined to the coop and enclosed run, which is pretty often since we work out of the home. They are pacing constantly, pecking and fighting with each other, and just seem very anxious whenever they are not allowed access to the outside fenced area. I would like to put a mesh covering over my fence so that I can allow them access to it at all times. However, I still need to be able to move the entire fence easily by myself. Once or twice a week I am moving the perimeter so that they get fresher grass/bugs to eat, but can still get into the coop through the door if need be (rain, something scares them, etc.). Will bird mesh from Lowe's or somewhere similar be easy to move around for this purpose? I am thinking I could drape it over the top and secure it with string, then remove it before moving the fencing. But then I wonder, will it keep them safe while we aren't home? Does anyone else have any ideas for covering the fencing without breaking the bank or creating a permanent fixture in the yard? Next spring I plan to install plant boxes around 2-3 sides of the coop and plant some things there for them but I am stuck on what to do now to help them be happier. I've attached a picture showing the coop/fence area (with the rogue escapee hen) and also a closer shot of my coop. I appreciate any responses or ideas!
I am new this year to chickens. I have a small flock of 2 buff orpingtons, 1 australorp and 1 "easter Egger" (who lays brown eggs.) We purchased a prefab coop with attached run from TSC and while I like it, I feel that my birds need more space, like most chicken owners I would imagine! I live in a residential area, and we are not allowed to "free range" our flock. I ignored that rule for a bit, and allowed my chickens out when I was supervising either from the backyard or from the kitchen where I could see them at all times. A neighbor complained, so I decided to put up a fence. A permanent fence is a no-go (husband has vetoed this idea), so I also purchased a movable fence from Premier 1. So far, this is working well. I had to clip wings so they would stop flying over it (though the EE still does occasionally), but I am able to move it around the yard so they get some outside time but are still contained and can't bother the neighbors. The problem is that now my chickens are very unhappy whenever they are confined to the coop and enclosed run, which is pretty often since we work out of the home. They are pacing constantly, pecking and fighting with each other, and just seem very anxious whenever they are not allowed access to the outside fenced area. I would like to put a mesh covering over my fence so that I can allow them access to it at all times. However, I still need to be able to move the entire fence easily by myself. Once or twice a week I am moving the perimeter so that they get fresher grass/bugs to eat, but can still get into the coop through the door if need be (rain, something scares them, etc.). Will bird mesh from Lowe's or somewhere similar be easy to move around for this purpose? I am thinking I could drape it over the top and secure it with string, then remove it before moving the fencing. But then I wonder, will it keep them safe while we aren't home? Does anyone else have any ideas for covering the fencing without breaking the bank or creating a permanent fixture in the yard? Next spring I plan to install plant boxes around 2-3 sides of the coop and plant some things there for them but I am stuck on what to do now to help them be happier. I've attached a picture showing the coop/fence area (with the rogue escapee hen) and also a closer shot of my coop. I appreciate any responses or ideas!
