Cloud9 Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 Hi all, don't know if anyone can help? As we now have three chickens in a standard Eglu run hubby is going to make us a much bigger run with a roof on it for the girls during the day. The Eglu will be built into the run. We have thought about extending the run but hubby is not keen. At the moment the Eglu is portable so mowing the lawn is easier than it will be with the permanent run. Can anyone tell us how deep foxes deep as hubby doesn't really want to put a skirt around it - he is thinking of burying some chicken wire as we have two rolls spare. The chickens are locked up at night and we have dogs who are about in the daytime (and one goes out regularly about about 2 am ) and I'm here most of the day. Any ideas are most gratefully received. Thanks in anticipation of any replies. Ali Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 Not sure exactly how deep foxes can dig, I'm afraid. I believe it's quite shallow, but I'm sure some more knowledgeable person will be along soon to advise you. Burying wire is one way of adding to your protection levels, but word of warning - chickenwire is not fox-proof. They can easily bite through it. I feel you need at least 16 gauge weldmesh to be sure of keeping your girls secure. Good luck with the new run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 Why not put the Eglu on paving slabs.? Even the most determined fox won't get into the run then, as long as it is well weighed down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuggywoo Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 A fox will dig as deep as a piece of string is long. I would suggest burying the fence at least 8" and angling the top of the fence outwards. With razor wire. Electrified razor wire. With one of your dogs running loose all night. And a detector spotlight. With a shotgun attached. It might be wise to double the wire? I know foxes can bite through chicken wire but if it's two fold (staggered type of thing) it'd take a bit longer to get through, they need to get a proper grip with their narrow jaws. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daj198 Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 According to my new hen-keeping book, which is fantastic(!), the standard depth of burrying fence to protect against foxes is 30cm which is 11.8 inches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud9 Posted May 28, 2008 Author Share Posted May 28, 2008 Thanks all, Eglutine, we are thinking of putting slabs along one side where the door to the run will be. Hubby is also thinking of making a "submerged" skirt about a foot down and will now be using weldmesh I think. We shall also have a pvc roof and hubby is thinking of putting spot lights up as well. I can't believe how addictive the chickens have become to the extent that hubby is willing to dig deeper into his pocket to pay for a new run Perhaps I'll come back as a chicken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 .... we are thinking of putting slabs along one side where the door to the run will be. Hubby is also thinking of making a "submerged" skirt about a foot down and will now be using weldmesh I think. We shall also have a pvc roof and hubby is thinking of putting spot lights up as well. ) sounds like ours with the exception of bolts and padlocks on every opening, including the nest box! It only had a hook and eye type of catch and that wasn't secure, one nudge and he'd be in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 we are thinking of putting slabs along one side where the door to the run will be. Hubby is also thinking of making a "submerged" skirt about a foot down and will now be using weldmesh I think. We shall also have a pvc roof and hubby is thinking of putting spot lights up as well. Can't wait for the pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 Foxes tend to dig where the run meets the floor hence the skirt being affective. I would lift and fold back the turf near the run and then place it back over the skirt. The grass will recover, no problems cutting the grass and the fox should still be foiled. I think it is better to bury a wide horizontal strip of mesh just under the surface than continue down vertically for a couple of feet. Easier too. Hope this makes sense. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*mummy_hen* Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 My parents have ducks and geese and my dad would always bury at least a foot to be damn certain nothing was getting in. Also, i would second the point about chicken wire not being sufficent to stop a fox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloud9 Posted May 29, 2008 Author Share Posted May 29, 2008 Thanks to you all - all points raised taken fully on board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
