Farm ownership is a difficult task. There are many things that go into it that most people don’t realize until it’s too late. You feel like you have done it all. Eventually, you will gain enough experience to see that you could have saved so many dollars and made your life easier.
You can avoid making these errors by following the example of others, which is why we are here to help. We’ve been in this industry for so long that we have actually had to go through everything.
Today’s guide will focus on chicken fencing, which is an important aspect of farming that is often overlooked. This part is often overlooked by most people because it seems like basic information that they can simply ignore and do when the time arises. But again, as with many farming-related things, it’s not so simple.
Chicken fencing can save your produce. If you don’t take care of it, you could even lose everything you have worked for. You probably know how important fencing for chickens is and want to find out everything you can. You’re in the right place. Let’s get started with the first part of this guide.
Why do you need a fence for your chicken?
Let’s get this out of your way: The main reason you will ever spend money on a chicken fence is to protect them from other predators and keep them safe.
This is the main reason you will want to invest in a fence. However, it is important to remember that aesthetics should always be second.
We don’t believe that people will choose beautiful fences over useful ones. You can have a fence that is more beautiful or more appealing as long as it does its job well, but you shouldn’t prioritize its practicality over its aesthetics.
The construction of your fence is the first thing you should consider. It is best to choose a sturdy material that is easy to install. It is also a good idea to hire someone to do the installation for you. Pricing varies between models. To make it easier for everyone, we’ll say that some products are more expensive than others.
We’ve got all that out of the way, let’s get to the meat of the matter: the various aspects of each fence you can choose from when buying a chicken fence.
Should I use a hardware cloth?
You’ve probably heard the top chicken farmers talk about hardware cloth. Hardware cloth fence owners will tell you it is worth every penny. They’ll talk about it all day and how it has increased their security.
They don’t mention that the car works like a charm and that it costs the same as a sports car. Although this may be an exaggerated estimate, it is true that the cost of fencing will be high enough to warrant your consideration.
It is affordable, so if you have the funds we recommend it. This fence material is one of the most durable. It’s versatile because you can use it around your chicken house as well as on the windows of your coop.
You should use it to close any gaps around the coop. This will prevent your chicken from pecking at them, which can lead to bigger problems for them in the future.
It is funny because, although we say hardware cloth is a significant part of fences, in reality, it has much less to do with fence foundations and more with securing gaps within fences.
Do You Need an Electric Fence?
This is an age-old question most farmers will ask when building their chicken coop.
Electric fencing comes in many sizes and shapes. We won’t go into budgets here, but it is important to remember that this might deter you from purchasing a particular model.
Our personal opinion is that electric net fencing is the best type of fencing. Bonus points if the fence comes with an electric net. It comes with the fence so it is much easier to install.
However, electric fencing can be effective against predators but it cannot protect you completely. While it is better to have an electrical fence than not, there are still some problems.
Do You Need a Chain-Link Fence?
A chain-link fence’s best feature is its practicality. You will need one if you live in a suburb to ensure that your chickens are safe from any stray cats or dogs.
It’s more effective against dogs than electric fences because most electric fencing is not strong enough to deter hungry dogs from attacking your chicken. They will jump right over the fence if they are not given enough voltage. A chain-link fence is a great option as it can be raised high enough to keep your dogs from jumping over.
It is more expensive than other fences. This is the only problem. We recommend this fence if you have the money. If not, you should consider the next option.
Do You Need a Wooden Chain Fence?
Let’s face it, when building your chicken fence, you probably thought of using wood. It’s very affordable to use wood for your fence construction. This is the most economical option, and it’s cheaper than any other.
This is also an attractive option from an aesthetic standpoint, as you can make your fence look really unique. The third reason is that this wood is very effective against dogs, rats, and most other predators.
Do You Need Aviary Netting to Protect Your Coop?
A fence is an excellent addition to your chicken farm. However, not all predators will be attracted to a tall fence surrounding your birds. You will need an aviary net to ensure that no aerial predators get to your chickens.
If you didn’t know, an aviary net is basically netting that prevents any predators from flying in uninvited. A netting system such as an aviary is essential in most cases. If you notice a lot of flying attention around your coop, it’s worth investing in.
Conclusion
There are many options for chicken fencing, but remember that your budget and preferences will play a major role in deciding which one is best for you.
We prefer wood fencing, but you may not have the money to do so. You might choose to install a safety fence. It’s still an excellent option, so don’t feel guilty about it. It doesn’t matter what you choose. We appreciate you reading and hope this has been helpful.
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