- Jun 17, 2012
- 2
- 0
- 7
I am posting for my best friend who has a pair of chickens. I think they are Cornish Bantams but not sure. I rescued the chickens from a cock-fighter in NYC and gave them to my friend because she has always wanted a bantam rooster and hen. She has had Rock and Rhoda since February and decided to let Rhoda raise a clutch. She hatched out 10 chicks and all has been going well for 2 weeks. They are housed at night in a horse stall converted to a luxurious chicken coop with access during the day to the half acre fenced horse pasture. My friend is allowing Rhoda to care for her chicks naturally and things have been going well.
Prior to laying, Rock and Rhoda ranged all over the half acre area but did not leave it. For the first week and a half after the chicks hatched that didn't change, but now the chicks are becoming a bit more independent and have started hopping through the fence into the wooded area surrounding the horse pasture. When they do, Rock and Rhoda fly over the fence and join them.
The problem is this...The wooded area is their property but borders the neighbor's yard and the neighbor is notoriously anti-animal. They have been seen shooting squirrels and stray cats that wander through their yard and my friend is worried that her chicks and chickens will be the next targets.
What is the best way to keep the chicks from going through the fence and remain contained in the half acre horse pasture? Is there any option other than building a fenced run?
Thanks in advance.
Jean
Prior to laying, Rock and Rhoda ranged all over the half acre area but did not leave it. For the first week and a half after the chicks hatched that didn't change, but now the chicks are becoming a bit more independent and have started hopping through the fence into the wooded area surrounding the horse pasture. When they do, Rock and Rhoda fly over the fence and join them.
The problem is this...The wooded area is their property but borders the neighbor's yard and the neighbor is notoriously anti-animal. They have been seen shooting squirrels and stray cats that wander through their yard and my friend is worried that her chicks and chickens will be the next targets.
What is the best way to keep the chicks from going through the fence and remain contained in the half acre horse pasture? Is there any option other than building a fenced run?
Thanks in advance.
Jean