LizE Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Hello! I'm a newbie to owning chickens, and the books I have got haven't answered this question. I have an Eglu classic with the 2M run, which is itself within a 15ft x 18ft enclosure made up on three sides by the 6 foot high garden fence and on the final side by a 6ft metal fence. It doesn't have a roof or cover. I've rehomed some chickens that were taken out of a free range farm because they were being bullied. I kept them in the elgu and run on the first day to get them used to it, as the eglu guide suggested, but let them into the larger enclosure after 24 hours to give them more space and stimulation. They seemed happy until I went to put them away that night, when one was roosting in an apple tree and another had gone over the 6 foot fence into the recreation field next door. Thankfully I managed to get her back, but now I am only letting them into the larger enclosure under supervision. If possible I'd like them to be able to go in it all day as it is much more interesting for them than the eglu run. The enclosure fencing is a lot taller than the omlet chicken fencing so I thought it would be sufficient to keep them in. There were some overhanging branches which I have now cut back - will this stop them escaping again? Will they stay there as they get used to the area and settle in? Or do I need to clip their wings - they are not very tame yet so I am not sure I could do it at this time. Any advice would really help! Thank you. Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Hi Liz. Your girls are obviously pretty good fliers, so the only way to keep them in will be to either clip their wings, or roof the run. To be honest, it would probably be a good idea to have a sturdy roof to the run anyway for two other reasons. Firstly, a 6 foot rigid fence wouldn't do much to keep out a fox - they're very good at jumping. And secondly it's quite likely that come the winter there could be another outbreak of avian flu requiring us to cover our runs. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 I agree with mullethunter. The fox risk is high, but if we get another avian flu outbreak you'll be very glad it's already covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 Me three - especially important as we will (in all likelihood) be required to keep our birds under cover 24/7 for 3 months or so over the winter, in fact I have started to include this requirement when talking about housing on my courses. Clear and waterproof is what you are looking for - they need the light and shelter from the wet; birds kept on wet ground/litter will end up with fungal or bacterial foot problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizE Posted August 7, 2017 Author Share Posted August 7, 2017 Thank you everyone for your help, really good to know - I'll look into a clear, waterproof cover for the big run. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
