How High Should A Chicken Fence Be

My friend Lucy runs a farm in Boulder, Colorado, and she has often asked me to visit her. So, my husband and I got in the truck, and decided to spend some time helping out on the farm. As you can imagine, Lucy was thrilled to see us, and after the usual meet and greet, she took us on a tour of her farm. It was here that I saw she had many breeds of chicken and different enclosures for all of them. I was naturally intrigued, and she explained to me the intricacies of fencing the chicken and the height of the pen. Suddenly, I was reminded of my neighbor Mr. Patrick who always keeps losing his chicken, which leaves him worried. I noted down everything Lucy taught me, and when I went back, I was able to help out my neighbor and build his fence to the correct height. He was overjoyed and sent me fresh manure for my garden. However, I decided not to rest on my laurels and share my knowledge. Hi, I'm Stacy Smith, and the following guide will help everyone know how high should a chicken fence be. Let's get cracking, shall we?

Chicken Fence Fundamentals

Why Do You Need A Fence?

Before I start, it's essential to understand why you need a fence and not any common boundary wall around the chicken coop. Well, for starters, chickens are exceptionally agile, and if your livestock manages to escape, they may damage neighborhood property. Besides, it's essential to protect them from other animals, such as stray dogs or coyotes, which could harm them. The thing to remember is if the top of the fence has some structure to which they can cling on, there are more chances that your chickens will fly out. While they can only stay airborne for a short distance, you must have the right height and the correct type of fence to keep chicken indoors.

Determining the Height

Lucy had several breeds of chicken, and she said that the minimum height needed to be at least six feet, and even then, some birds might find a way to escape. The Serama bantam, a relatively small bird compared to the substantially bigger Orpington, needs a six-foot-high fence. It's important to note that if you have Sebrights or Hamburgs, then you might need an even taller fence as they can fly much better. In some cases, you may even find your chickens digging underneath the fence to get out. Therefore, if you find a breach, it always bodes well if you look above as well as down below. I also suggest that you opt for a chicken tractor or even chicken coop with a run combo if it's a recurring problem. It'll give you more respite than only having a fence, but whatever you do, don't be casual and have your fence at four to five feet. It's a height that most breeds quickly clear, including certain varieties of bantams. Lucy once found her Japanese bantams on her roof, which no fence can protect against. I also feel I should point out that you may clip their flight feathers, but it's best not to do so. If a predator gets in, your chickens won't be able to escape. Consequently, you're better off building a six-foot-high fence and hoping for the best. Another thing to remember is that when the chicks start to grow, you can raise the fence by a couple of feet because it's the young ones who are more adventurous. And ideally, you should be more vigilant during this phase.

Types of Fences

At this point, I should also inform you about the types of fences you can employ to help you make an informed decision.

1. Chicken Wire

Chicken wire is also known as poultry netting, and it's constructed from galvanized steel, so you can imagine the sturdiness you're going to get. Moreover, it's flexible to help you plug the gaps to cut off possible escape routes. The gaps in the wires vary from ½-inch to 2-inches and are hexagonal. If you're trying to keep out small animals like mice, go for the ones with smaller gaps. Meanwhile, it has the benefit of allowing you to cover the shrubs or trees nearby. Therefore, even if the birds manage to escape you can rest assured that they will be safe.

2. Chain Link Fence

Chain link fencing comes with a coat of PVC or is galvanized to deliver a long lifespan. The noticeable characteristic is the diamond pattern formed by intertwining the wire, which further adds to the strength. However, it presents a costlier option and may not be preferred by most people. But I assure you that you'll love the springy texture, which helps to keep out predators, so don't be too hasty to reject it.

3. Hardware Cloth

Some people prefer using hardware cloth, which is a mesh product but equally sturdy. You can quickly get it at the local hardware store, and the main reason for its popularity is that it's highly flexible. It comes in metal or plastic, allowing you to cut it comfortably and apply it to any suitable spot.

4. Plastic Chicken Wire

You could also try out the plastic chicken wire, for which the two most common ingredients are polypropylene or polyethylene. Not only does it have sufficient strength, but it also provides adequate durability along with flexibility. Moreover, it's highly corrosion-resistant, and you can choose from a range of colors that other products don't offer.

Final Words

I've reached the end of my guide, and hopefully, you've got a better idea regarding the height of chicken fences. I've also tried to highlight the different types of fences. But the thing to realize is every now and then a couple of birds are likely to escape. It's vital to be proactive rather than trying to fiddle too much with the fence. That's all for now. I have to care for my pet dogs who need their food. Until next time, bye!