ClaireG Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 I want to make an enclosure for the girls so that they have an area of the garden to freerange in. I have a fence one side so only need to enclose 3 sides and will also need some sort of door so i can get in The question is am i best to get omlet netting or similar or mesh, or netting from Hiils of Devon or the likes, or something else? They will only freerange when someone is here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Are you thinking of something with roof or just a fenced off area? If going for the walk in run I would go for weldmesh The Omlet netting is good for sectioning off areas and moving about which is handy I guess it really depends on what you want from it and the risks involved, would you be expecting it to keep your girls safe when you weren't there for example? Do you have lots of Mr Foxes about? One of my neighbours has 4ft high chicken wire surrounding their hens seemingly without incident whereas I am going for the full on walk in run - so it also depends on your paranoia level Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted January 24, 2009 Author Share Posted January 24, 2009 Im not going for the full walk in jobbie yet Tasha so just an enclosed area really. I'm here most of the time but can't see them unless in the garden. I havn't seen any foxes yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Then the Omlet netting is good and comes with lots of poles. Bell Plantation sell a fetching orange version which doesnt come with extra poles (in the summerhouse up by the chickens) fit some blinkers and you shouldn't spend too much! across the same roundabout hidden behind the Total garage is an agricultural merchants who do netting and electric fencing (they are also good for chicken and pet supplies) Some people have had sucess with Wickes green fencing held up with poles (its more ridged than the Omlet netting but easier for something to chew through) Wooden tree stakes with netting or mesh held on with fencing staples maybe? If you can blag any of the big panels used to surround building sites are apparently very good! If you could build 6x4 frames you could fill them with mesh or netting and screw them together Alternatively you can buy the walk in run panels off of Ebay and assemble them without a roof Edited to say: Tom123 has a lovely run which may give you some inspiration, you can see it if you click on the link in his signature Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted January 25, 2009 Author Share Posted January 25, 2009 Tasha you are a star! Might have to go and look at Bells and the agricultral merchants later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Im not going for the full walk in jobbie yet Tasha so just an enclosed area really. I'm here most of the time but can't see them unless in the garden. I havn't seen any foxes yet. Claire, please be warned that for many people, the first time they know there is a fox in the area is when their hens are taken. Please don't take any chances, especially if you are in an urban area where foxes are not scared of humans; knowing you are in the house will not be enough to deter the fox. The Omlet netting is good for moving around the garden, e.g. to keep them off the veg-patch/lawn, but it's not fox-proof. I won't let my girls out unless I can be IN the garden to supervise them, I find plenty of jobs to do while I'm out there (sawing wood, turning out the shed, cleaning up plant-pots, pruning) even at this time of year. Sorry to sound such a dismal note, but it's happened to so many people including a friend of mine very recently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atsw Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Some people have had sucess with Wickes green fencing held up with poles (its more ridged than the Omlet netting but easier for something to chew through) That's what we use, with plastic covered poles from HomeBase. Not had any problems with rats or mice trying to chew their way in. Not fox proof of course, he/she would be able to jump right over, no problems. Being green, it blends into the garden very nicely. Link here. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judith67 Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 Some people have had sucess with Wickes green fencing held up with poles (its more ridged than the Omlet netting but easier for something to chew through) I use this! Held up with long bean sticks, its been fine and quite cheap (less than a tenner). It's just used to keep them off the patio when they free range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted January 26, 2009 Author Share Posted January 26, 2009 Well, i've been out today and bought some bamboo screening thats 1.5m high for the back of the garden and some 0.9m high wire netting for the rest of the area as well as some tree stakes and netting poles and staples. Im hoping DH might be home soon so we can make a start before it's too dark, if not hopefully we'll be able to do something tomorrow. DH has also said he will have a go at making a proper walk in run when we can afford it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
