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What nicked my chickens?
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judith



Joined: 16 Dec 2004
Posts: 22789
Location: Montgomeryshire
PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 05 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Provided that you wait until the foxes have moved on, I wouldn't let it put you off keeping chooks. Bantams are probably safer free-ranging than the heavier-breed hens. They are a lot better at flying up into trees and out of danger than ordinary hens.

I would either go for a very solidly-built house and run or let them free-range and just make sure that they are locked up securely at night.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 05 12:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Depending on where you are near Gatwick there will be a lot of urban foxes who will be happy to wander about during the day so free ranging on their own may be risky.

judith



Joined: 16 Dec 2004
Posts: 22789
Location: Montgomeryshire
PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 05 12:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

If the fox problem is so bad, then it would be possible in extremis to run an electric fence around the chicken run. It would, of course, need to be covered at the top to keep the bantams in!

OldSkoolAD



Joined: 08 Jun 2005
Posts: 3
Location: In my garage!
PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 05 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Treacodactyl wrote:
OldSkoolAD wrote:
Just Joined the site yesterday (after stumbling across it while looking for wild flower turf - but that is another story)


Any more details?

About what?! Turf? Need it to cover some chalk at work. Any ideas? Coronet turf can supply it i'm told

I would always expect foxes, knowing this area quite well there are lots about.

Near the six bells pub...

If the hens are fenced in though they should be fine. Do you have any idea what sort of hen house you will use?


Want to go for the traditional type on the ol' cast iron wheels but am open to suggestions.

Did think about electric fencing Judith to keep foxes and people out

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