Barrier Fencing

[dburkhart]

I wasn't sure where to post this, and this looked like the category that fit the best.

While our whole backyard has a five-foot fence around it, our hens like to chill out under our patio furniture to escape the Texas heat. Where there's chickens, there's chicken poop! We are trying to find some sort of fencing to keep the chickens off the patio while also not blocking the view of the 35 acres behind us. A lot of the aluminum/wrought iron fencing I'm finding has 3.5" gaps between the posts, and I'm concerned that I'll drop all this money and the hens will still be able to get through the fence.

I'm looking for suggestions! I appreciate all the help this wonderful community can give! Thank you in advance for your ideas!

David

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! We have either 2"x4" woven wire, with steel posts about 10' apart, or 4"x4" woven wire 'goat fencing', also on steel posts, and both are much less expensive than 'backyard fencing', and easily blend into the background.
Look at Gail Damerou's (SP?) book about livestock fencing for ideas.
The 6" livestock fencing won't keep your birds contained, and smaller bantams and chicks can get through the 4" stuff, but do look.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

I couldn't resist bringing back these pictures of the wild goose family here with 26 goslings that year! All lived to fly away, it was amazing! The white electric tape on top is for the horses, and it's the only really visible part of the fence.
Mary

 

[townchicks]

I bought some "decorative fencing panels" at Lowes, to make my "chicken yard" . I'm not good at creating links, but if you check the website I bet you'll find it. I think it was about 25-30 dollars for 4 panels. It's not sturdy and wouldn't be for protection, but it would keep them off the patio, and fairly attractive .Easily installed with prongs that go into the dirt.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I've used welded wire or woven wire to fence off areas for my chickens. It's relatively inexpensive and it doesn't really block the view. The only noticeable parts are the t-posts.

 

[Mrs. K]

I think it would contain most full size, full grown chickens. Young chickens or chicks not at all. Do be sure and add a lot of shade in the new enclosure. In fact, if you added good shade over there, and discouraged them under your deck, with a water gun, you might just retrain them.

 

[jreardon1918]

We too use welded wire 2"x4" by 5' tall. Only a couple times has one flown the coop... the openings will not keep chicks in or predators out.

 

[dburkhart]

I think it would contain most full size, full grown chickens. Young chickens or chicks not at all. Do be sure and add a lot of shade in the new enclosure. In fact, if you added good shade over there, and discouraged them under your deck, with a water gun, you might just retrain them.

That's the method we've used thus far. However, when we're away at work, they take advantage of the absence and do their dirty deeds! We have evergreen/cedar trees on the property, so they have places to hang out in the shade. My guess is that this area is even cooler, so they prefer it.