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Poultry Books | Smallholding
Books | Livestock Books
Poultry Housing Fencing & Protection from
Starting with Chickens
- by Katie Thear
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This article
is taken from Starting with Chickens by Katie Thear, the UK's
best selling book on keeping chickens.
Where to keep them, what to buy and where to buy chickens from
to what to do with the surplus eggs. The perfect introduction and probably
the only book on keeping chickens you actually need to buy.
Poultry Fencing
If chickens are in a garden with a substantial fence
around it, and there is a family dog in residence, the fox is unlikely
to take a chance and pay a visit. He will try somewhere easier.
Having said that, every poultry keeper should be aware that the
fox is the prime enemy of chickens, and they need to be protected
against him. It is no good relying on the local hunt, for that exists
purely as a sport for the participants, not as an effective deterrent
or control for foxes. There are only two options for the poultry
keeper: a fence that is high enough to stop him getting over, or
the use of a device such as an electric fence or electronic deterrent.
Traditional fencing
A smooth wooden fence of the type that is used in
many gardens is effective, if it is at least 1.8m (6') high. Most
foxes would baulk at this, although they might try and dig under
it, particularly if there is a 'weak' area such as a slight gap
that could be enlarged at the bottom. It is worth checking the base
of wooden fences and reinforcing them if necessary. Extra boarding
or wire mesh can be used.
A really determined fox can get over a six foot fence, and if you are unlucky
enough to have such a predator in your neighbourhood, then consider putting
an extra 30cm (1') extension on the top of the fence. If this is angled outwards
at an angle of 45 degrees, it will stop him, for the combination of height
and angle will make it impossible to negotiate.
Electric fencing
In an orchard or field the chickens are much more
at risk because these often have hedges through which predators
can squeeze, or the fencing is lower. Here, unless a high fence
of wire mesh poultry netting can be put up, the best option is to
use electric poultry netting which can be erected and moved as necessary.
It consists of a series of plastic posts with metal spikes which
are hammered in, the netting which is electroplastic twine, straining
post guys and pegs, and a rechargeable battery unit. Complete packages
are available for the small poultry keeper, and represent the best
value, rather than trying to put together a system of disparate
items yourself.
Other devices to Protect Chickens
Mention should be made of other devices that are
available for deterring the fox. It is possible to use a small electronic
system such as the German AXT Electronic device that automatically
closes the pop-hole and opens it in the morning. You need to ensure
that the chickens do put themselves to bed before the fox starts
his nightly prowl. Giving them some food in their house is an incentive
for them to do this, and they will then form the habit of roosting
before it gets dark. You need to be aware, of course, that in some
areas where there are many foxes, they may go on the prowl before
dusk arrives.
There are also electronic devices which can be used
to form an invisible 'beam' around the area. If broken by an intruder
(fox or human) an alarm system is sounded or alternatively (and
much more desirable if you have close neighbours), a bright light
comes on to deter the prowler.
Products such as Renardine are available which are
sprayed around the perimeter of the area to be protected, and are
said to have a deterring effect. I have never used these and so
cannot comment on their effectiveness. They need to be reapplied
periodically, particularly after rain which will wash away the effect.
Mention was made earlier of the fact that the presence of a dog
has a deterring effect on foxes. Many poultry keepers make a point
of walking their dog around the poultry enclosure in the evening
so that the scent is transmitted to any foxes. If you live near
a zoo, placing the droppings of a lion or tiger is said to be effective,
while llamas and alpacas are reputed to chase them away.
Starting with Chickens - Housing for Chickens (Chicken
Coops)
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