It`s been like waiting for Christmas!!!!!

I have put chicken wire below ground level and buried it where required - approximately 12" or so in depth.
The security fencing mesh is approximately 2" in width - so will stop young foxes?!
I'm hoping the galvanised wire on top of the fencing will prove to be too unstable for Mr Fox to get a purchase?
I have never had signs of foxes trying to dig under my fencing in the past but will monitor of course.
i think the biggest mistake I made last time was letting my flock out too early on a cold winters morning and having unsatisfactory fencing - Mr Fox had obviously been casing the joint for some time (just learnt yesterday that he cleared out a neighbours flock prior to my loss), found a weak point in the mesh - the long and the short of it is I dropped my guard and assumed after 6 years it wouldn't happen to me.
How wrong.
Thanks for your feedback and warnings - I'm very twitchy about leaving my new girls unattended - don't want to let them down - the consequences are pretty final!
Keep the feedback coming.

Thanks,

Ant
 
If you are worried about whether they could climb over the top of the panels, is it possible to make a framework and covering the top with weldmesh? (Im not sure what you mean by 'the galvanised wire on top of the panels.') This also has the effect of stabilising the whole frame even more, sort of creating a metal box construction.
I would imagine a fox could get a purchase on the security fencing with its feet and climb up it, although its beautifully strong at repelling invaders sideways on.
 
Marigold,
yes - I think I shall have to look at covering over the top as well. I'll have to work round the pine tree but it can be done.
3 of the girls are now laying - it's great to have our own eggs again!
All 6 now seem to be free of cold - had some snotty hens last week but now all good.
Daffy and Dappy (the Runner Ducks) were far too excited with the girls so there goes my idea of keeping the ducks with the hens in one enclosure.
Only Bonny (Speckledy) is proving very shy although she has now been held a couple of times.
The other 5 have settled in nicely and are easily handled.

Ant
 
Looks lovely... I would consider some kind of outward overhang of mesh at the top where currently it looks like you have some additional mesh on top of the heras fencing?
Covering the roof would also be a good idea as well as considering a few lines of electric wire.
 
Foxy,
never used electric wire before. Can you recommend a method/brand/supplier that is effective but not too pricey - I've seen some very expensive sets.

Ant
 
All girls now laying - including Merlin so we are now getting nice blue eggs!
Had quite a few double yokers too - lovely to have fresh home grown eggs again!

Ant
 
I priced up an electric fence solution for a run similar in size to yours, and found that running weldmesh over the top to make a roof was about the same price, without the worry of the battery running out, or some kind of short rendering it useless etc etc. Plus, my investigations reveled that you need a seriously powerful energiser to disuade a fox - they are predators and hence tough and able to ignore pain if they are hungry. Lots of fences are designed to gently dissuade a docile cow from walking in the wrong direction. IMHO for small runs, physical barrier is the best - electric fencing is tricky.
 
Nick,
thanks for the reply - yes think mesh over the top will be the answer.
Chap down the road lost a hen to Mr Fox the other day so still need to be on full guard!

Ant
 
Electric is a very effective way of keeping foxes out, either by netting which can be expensive or by single strands around the bottom of the pen about 18" apart. This is not expensive and can be run off the mains.
 
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