Escaping the Chicken Run!

[thebdj]

Hi Guys!

One of my ladies seems to like the look of garden freedom and has started jumping out of the run and walking round the garden during the day! Now I'm not too upset about this but she is starting to do a little bit of damage and the wife is most upset! Doh!

Anyway, the run is about 3 and a half foot high fence all the way round. I have clipped all of the ladies left wings.

The funny thing is, it's only one chicken that comes out and the others WILL follow her out but ONLY if she goes first. I need to stop her and all of them from doing this. Is my fence not high enough or is there something I can do?

I am reluctant to put higher fence in as it looks quite nice at the current height and will also involve a potential cost that I don't want to fork out for!

Any ideas!

Justin

[happychicks]

Hi Justin

If she is getting the fence isnt high enough but it need not cost the earth to rectify. Over the run place some garden twine from one end to the other, like a roof mesh effect, that way it need not cost a lot and they cannot jump through it. Twine that is rot resistant like garden twine or wire will do the trick.

Simon

[thebdj]

The only problem with that is I would need to twine 700 square foot and then wouldn't have easy access to the run to deal with their food and water. I am starting to think that I may have to bite the bullet and just put up higher fencing. Bummer!

[happychicks]

Ahh of course, forgive me. I remember now you have a huge area for them. The twine will be a non starter then soooooo, well I thonk you have answered it yourself. If they are getting over its Hobsons choice and a taller fence is in order. Mine are confined to the garden with a 5 foot fence and do try it on but get nowhere.

Kindest regards

Simon