I read a couple of years ago (think it was in CS but now I can't find it) about someone experimenting with a 24" (yes, 2 foot) chicken wire fence around their garden to keep their chickens OUT, and finding that it worked. Obviously, keeping them IN (and predators out)doesn't work with such a low one, but has anyone else tried this or heard of it? It seemed that the chickens had no desire to get INTO a confined area when they were already out ranging. It seems to make sense. Just thought I'd check it out with some other folks' thoughts on the subject before proceeding. Thanks!

-- teddy in NE (millerfam@panhandle.net), April 22, 2002

Answers

The fence around our garden when I was growing up was six feet tall. On occasion we would still have a hen fly to the top of the fence then go on in.

Needless to say, we didn't clip wings. If a wing was clipped a two feet tall fence might work.

-- Notforprint (Not@thekeyboard.com), April 22, 2002.

I have a 2 foot fence to keep the chickens out fo my garden, keeps them mostly out,, except when I dont close the gate properly

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), April 22, 2002.

A two foot tall fence (chickenwire) has worked very well for us for the past three years. Chickens come up to it and even scratch right next to it but never fly in.

-- Rita in TN (felfoot@twlakes.net), April 22, 2002.

Thanks, folks (: Think we'll try it.

-- teddy in NE (millerfam@panhandle.net), April 22, 2002.

Might've been me. I use a 2' chicken wire fence to keep the free range chickens and ducks away from the tender new growth of the early plants. It works for me, since after the wild plants produce, they are not as interested in the tender garden plants. GL!

-- Brad (Homefixer@SacoRiver.net), April 22, 2002.