Chicken Fencing
Types of Chicken Fencing To Keep Predators Out And Your Birds In
When considering what type of chicken fencing you need, two popular types are the standard chicken wire, from which you can make a fence using wooden 2 by 4s, and electric mesh wire fencing that comes with posts already in it. The electric mesh type has the advantage of being easily portable, or temporary. It will shock predators so they are dissuaded from continuing to enter. The power can be from batteries or mains.
You can make inexpensive chicken fencing with readily available materials in a short time by following these steps for a quick fence. If you have more time and money to invest, there are permanent fence options that will work best for you.
Fencing will give your chickens some time out of the chicken coop, in which they can be “free range”. And you will not have to worry about other pets or animals that could harm your birds.
The following chicken fence is cheaper than having one installed professionally. First, mark a line on the ground to outline where the fence will be. Chicken wire is flexible so you can make it curve around obstacles like trees. You can mark the fence line with a bright colored tape or paint. You will need to dig holes big enough for wooden two by fours. If you have rocky ground, you will probably need to use metal T posts.
The holes should be about a foot deep, and leave six feet between holes. Place stakes in the holes and tightly pack the earth around them so they are secure. The poles should be straight. Eyeball them to check that they match and look ok esthetically speaking.
Use some lumber, 1x1, to make rails. You can cut lumber to this size, or get it from a home supply store. Then measure it to match the height of the stakes. Attach the 1x1 pieces to the bottom and top of each stake using wood screws. This will be the base for the chicken wire, which will keep the fence from being too flimsy.
Cut out 6-foot long sections of chicken wire with tin snips, to match the size of the space between each post. Use electrical gloves to protect your hands. Be sure to cut the wire in a straight line.
Use a construction staple gun to stable the chicken wire to the post at the start of your fence. Then staple every ten inches, first along the top rail, then the bottom. Pull wire tight as you staple down each section. Continue stapling until the entire fence is up.
To make a gate, make a frame from boards, the same size as the space between each 2 poles. Staple chicken wire to the frame as you did for each section of fence, and add hinges and necessary hardware.
Certain types of chickens are more able to escape, as they are better flyers. Check the type you have to see how high your fence should be. If needed, you can attach a second piece of chicken wire to each section to double the height.
If the chicken fencing is still not high enough, an alternative is to trim one wing a little bit. This will imbalance the chickens and they won’t be able to fly. If you can’t make a fence immediately and you’re only worry is protection from your dogs or cats, you can house the other pets while the birds stretch their legs in the grass. You will need to supervise them, of course. They actually will come back to their pen on their own once the sun begins to go down.