2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[sparkysmum]

I've mentioned previously that the owners of the field which adjoins our garden have given us permission to use the field for our hens. We are really keen to move this forward as the hens are now restricted to about 40sq metres of the garden, now that things are at last beginning to grow.

 

A couple of dog walkers with rather large dogs use the field fairly regularly to exercise their hounds

 

Please help us to design a dog proof area for our ladies We can use about 40 sq metres but not take down our existing fence. I can use netting/ fencing but not electric. The fence must technically not be permanent and must in theory at least be capable of being moved.

 

I would love to hear anyones ideas. Many, many thanks, Alli x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

How high do you think it'll need to be?

 

Although this is movable I think it'd be too low. Although, perhaps you could rig up netting on canes as well to get some height but the wooden part would stop the dogs trying to get through.

 

This would end up being really expensive but might give you inspiration!

 

Cooks' OH made these for their girls.

 

Not sure how dog-proof this would be.

 

Hope that helps get you started .

[sparkysmum]

Thanks Vicki, I had become blinkered and could only think of poultry netting. Maybe picket fencing is the way to go. I love Cooks set up, but don't think oh is quite so skilled Alli x

[Redwing]

Dogs can clear 3 ft easily and dont forget if you make it dog proof it still needs to be fox proof and they can scale 6ft easily

 

I would either get covered moveable runs or a high pence set up

 

Lots of breeders use Heras panels attached together with cable ties with netting strung over the top

 

I have a couple of moveable runs made from 3 x 6 panels on their sides (making a 6 x 6 run) with two more panels as a hinged roof - they are good as are Eglus which can be easily moved

 

In my head I have a dream of letting my birds run loose on my field but reality has set in over the last few years and now they are all confined to runs most of the time

[sparkysmum]

Thanks redwing However I think I'm going to put this on hold as I heard of someone local today who lost 12 hens to spaniels today who dug their way under a fence. Horrendous, callous, unthinkable. The woman walked away.

[Redwing]

I wouldnt rule it out but I would consider moveable runs with skirts or wire underneath

 

It may seem a far cry from the lovely free range vision but the hens will love you for the fresh grass even if they are in a run

 

An alternative could be a temporary fence with an electric fence inside it (I take it the resistance to electric fence is because there is a footpah through the field?)

 

I dont believe that dog owners have a right to have dogs off a lead on a footpath so you could consider signs asking owners to put their dogs on leads through the field

[sparkysmum]

Thanks for your reply Redwing. I do give in to my ladies most days to continue to rampage thro' the garden but would really prefer that they didn't

Would you mind posting a pic of your moveable runs. I might just have to consider this. Thanks, Alli x