4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Gelbel]

I have just taken delivery of 50m of garden fencing and 20 poles - I am going to make an extension to my run (I will use some of the fencing to make a 'roof' so Mr Fox can't get in) and cordon off the garden for winter FR (so I can let them out while there is still light in the afternoon but carry on working in the dining room and still keep them in sight).

 

My question is this. I need to make sure my girls don't get out so - can I just let the fencing touch the ground and they won't nip under or do I need to allow some slack on the hight of the fencing, as it were, so that I can put some thing on the bottom of the fencing to hold it in place to hem the girls in (hope that bit makes sense)?

 

When I look at the chicken fencing in the Omlet shop it just appears to touch the ground with no securing in place apart from the poles.

 

Your advice and experiences are welcomed.

[coco]

I use Omlet netting and have loads and loads of tent pegs securing it to the ground as it didn't take long for one of the girls to suss out how to get underneath it.

[Gelbel]

Thanks Coco - thought as much!

[JanTheDiver]

I use plastic netting like they have round building sites, except mine is green not orange

 

I thought my girls might get underneath but they haven't even tried and mine is just touching the ground.

[Gelbel]

That's the stuff I've got. I might even encourage some plants to grow over it.

 

It might be a case of trial and error then. Just as well there is a camping shop very close by if I need to stop escapes as a matter of urgency!

[Gelbel]

I knocked up some Heath Robinson outside run late yesterday afternoon. They've alternative watering holes and some perches in there too.

 

Up until now, when I open the girl's run first thing in the morning they don't come out as they know they will get nudged back in - so they just have a little peck about the door area while I change the water, check the food etc.

 

This morning - bless them - they realised the door was wide open so that meant they could come out properly. They are clucking to each other like mad and having a lovely time on the gravelled area that their covered run is stood on (well the actual run is on paving slab with woodchip and megazorb).

 

I feel so much happier now that the days are getting shorter that they are able to stretch their wings and flap about properly.

 

Obviously the main covered door run is still locked at night!

[karlotta]

I may have misunderstood what your set up is (quite likely!) but poultry netting won't be fox proof unless it's electrified. The fox could quite happily chew straight through it/dig under it.

 

You can get the fencing quite taught so you shouldn't need pegs at the bottom, but you might need extra poles to get it nice and taught.

[Gelbel]

Touch wood, fingers x and all that I am OK on the fox front. They are about but we have 6ft fences round our property, fox watches and regular DH waterings! Prior to the girls we never saw any in the garden (nor evidence) and long may that continue.

 

The girls are not left alone - the joys of working from home - any excuse and I am out there and can hear them if they get over their general chatter.

 

They were such happy girls last night.

[Olly]

I'm really glad your girls are so happy with their new space, but I'd have to echo what karlotta says above.

 

I'm afraid 6' fences are no deterrent to foxes.