Will tall, thick weeds work as a fence?

[RedCanoe]

Hi folks,

My wife and I are working on our coop right now, and are very excited about getting some birds.

We have a lot of space that can be used for a run and are planning on giving the chickens most of it. However the area is bordered on two sides by neighbors, one who has a rather aggressive German Shepard, and the other has greyhounds, so needless to say we don't want the chickens wandering too far. All the dogs are contained in their yards, so there is little risk of the dogs coming into our yard to bother the chickens.

So, on to the question, the area has very tall, thick weeds, mostly golden rod. We have weed whacked an area that is about 50 by 15, the the remaining weeds act as a fence? Or will the chickens find their way through the weeds and end up in the neighbors yard?

We have also considered just fencing off the two sides of the yard and letting the chickens have the rest. How far do chickens usually wander? Are there certain breeds that tend to wander less than others?

Thanks,

The Gehl family.

 

[AllChookUp]

My limited experience is that the chickens will go out into the weeds to look for food, and hang out. I wouldn't count on it acting as a fence, but if you keep the chickens in the coop and run for a while, they will remember where they live, and come back after they've been checking the field for a while.

 

[Run-A-Muck Ranch]

In my exsperience the chickens will wonder through the weeds....
We have one pasture that is not being used right now, the weeds/grass is above knee high and the chickens love to run through there eatting what they want....

I would suggest fencing in all sides....The chickens will probably find there way to the neighbors yards eventually if not fenced in....

 

[Katy]

They'll act as fence until they eat them!!

 

[ravenfeathers]

the weeds will not act as a fence, guaranteed. maybe if you had thorny hedges....

 

[Reinbeau]

The weeds will also act as an excellent cover for all manner of predators. Do your chickies a favor and put up a stout fence!

 

[LynneP]

Bad idea- that will start out as good cover for a predator like a fox...it's worth your while to provide better security. In our district free-range is impossible due to predation...

 

[dixygirl]

In my area the weeds die back in winter too so your fence would disappear.

I agree a real fence is needed if you want to keep your animals. Otherwise they will all be dead in no time.

 

[Chirpy]

RedCanoe - you've been given great advice I just wanted to say:

 

[RedCanoe]

Thanks everyone - looks like we will be putting in a fence

RedCanoe