Fencing on hillside?

[Bocktobery 10]

I'm really hoping someone can give me some guidance on this.

I free range my flock, however, after several run ins with foxes and neighbors dogs and other predators, I've decided I need to fence them in. The problem is the only area I have for a run adjacent to the coop is on a slope- not only that, it is an area that is soft soil (its been previously used as crop field area) and prone to runoff due to rain and heavy downpours. I'm not even sure if fencing can be put up easily on a slope. I'm not even sure how to do it, frankly... I've never put up fencing before. The slope is not too steep. Yet I do not know how to arrange it, as in, how do you put a fence up on a hillside? I want it also to look decent and not cost too much. I plan on putting a skirting fence around the bottom of it also.

Can anyone tell me if this is a very bad idea and waste of money, or does anyone know how I could find help in putting the fencing up so that it is sturdy and stable? What type of fencing should I use? I was planning on purchasing some 6 foot horse fence for the perimeter. Would this be high enough to keep dogs out and chickens in?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[chiques chicks]

My run is on a slope. I used steel t-posts and 5 foot welded wire. The posts are shorter than the fence, so the top is wobbly, seems to keep critters from climbing. The welded wire or horse fencing will not keep raccoons from reaching through, however. The skirting is a good idea.

Six feet should keep out most dogs. I very rarely have my chickens fly over the 5 foot, they generally go under our or find a hole. Smaller chicks do go through the 2x4 fence, and momma will go over to be with them on occasion.

My garden is located next to the run, downhill, so the runoff fertilizes the garden, saving me work.

Most of my property is sloped, I had no choice.

 

[Bocktobery 10]

Chiques, so sorry I've not responded until now... thank you so much for your reply!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I'm really hoping someone can give me some guidance on this.

I free range my flock, however, after several run ins with foxes and neighbors dogs and other predators, I've decided I need to fence them in. The problem is the only area I have for a run adjacent to the coop is on a slope- not only that, it is an area that is soft soil (its been previously used as crop field area) and prone to runoff due to rain and heavy downpours. I'm not even sure if fencing can be put up easily on a slope. I'm not even sure how to do it, frankly... I've never put up fencing before. The slope is not too steep. Yet I do not know how to arrange it, as in, how do you put a fence up on a hillside? I want it also to look decent and not cost too much. I plan on putting a skirting fence around the bottom of it also.

Can anyone tell me if this is a very bad idea and waste of money, or does anyone know how I could find help in putting the fencing up so that it is sturdy and stable? What type of fencing should I use? I was planning on purchasing some 6 foot horse fence for the perimeter. Would this be high enough to keep dogs out and chickens in?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

If your land can or has been row cropped then installing a fence is going to be cherry. You may need a few shrubs and trees to help hold the steepest soil in place but that is likely to be all the problems you'll face. Get it soil tested and follow the soil test recommendations for sowing it in permanent pasture then sow the seed varieties best adapted to your location, and don't turn your birds loose on it until the grasses and forbs are well established, also don't skimp on the fertilizer or lime. Once the chickens get a taste of your paddock they'll give up free ranging. You also need some way to mow it so that your paddock doesn't go through its natural regression and revert to whatever vegetation was growing there to begin with.

 

[Bocktobery 10]

Thank you so much chickengeorgeto! Yes, its crop rowed for a few years now. There are a bunch of weeds in the section now which has just been brush hogged. I might be having a local company put the fence up for me if the price is right, otherwise, my neighbors said they would help (they have an auger). They said the hillside won't be a problem- even with the possible run off, so I think I'm 'good to go'.

I will definitely get it soil tested and follow the recommendations. I'm not even sure yet what I want to plant in there- is there a grass that is best for chickens? Will I have problems with crop impaction since their diet will be more grass than other things?

Thank you your post was so helpful!

 

[tracecom]

My entire farm is sloped, and fencing with stranded wire is easy enough, but fencing with welded wire is more difficult. If the slope is even (as opposed to "humpy,") that will help. Put your posts in plumb and let the wire follow the slope. When the wire changes direction due to slope changes (as in a corner at the bottom), put in an extra large post, cut the wire, and start with a new section of wire.