Fox Fence

[simmy_bull]

I’ve been asked to build a large pen for someone to keep some hens is. Is six foot of chicken wire sufficient to keep them safe?
Feel quite ashamed been rural and asking this question but I’ve never had a lot to do with fox control nor had much trouble with them.

 

[Kidds]

Usually its enough but when it rots at the bottom it suddenly isn't.

 

[Longlowdog]

A hen pen is no different to a pheasant release pen. Hopefully this will give you a good idea of what to aim for.

https://www.gwct.org.uk/media/208820/pheasant_release_pen_construction.pdf

 

[Nick.]

6’ plus as much electric as you can get around it.
They’ll climb it easily without, or dig under.

 

[steveR]

6’ plus as much electric as you can get around it.
They’ll climb it easily without, or dig under.

Spot on, A Strand of electric, 4-6" off the ground will be the best way to deter vermin. Keep it sprayed out...

 

[melted welly]

4ft high and throw in a goose

 

[Nick.]

It’d probably be worth putting a strand of leccy around the top too.

 

[Kevtherev]

Dig the wire in and put it high enough foxes will climb up if they can.
Badgers will be another problem so a strand of electric on outside be worthwhile.

 

[Jameshenry]

No real need to dig wire in, just lay it flat on the ground and peg it down, it'll soon grow in and stop anything digging, horse netting is a strong job if you can do it, last longer than chicken netting and no fox or badger will dig or bite through it

 

[Longlowdog]

A floppy top to the pen above the taught wire is the solution to the smarter foxes who climb pens. They can scale pretty decent heights but a decent amount of weight induced overhang stops them every time.
We always put two strands of hot wire round pheasant release pens at 6 and 14''. That covers walking and hunting foxes and badgers with their noses down. The wires shouldn't be too far away from the pen or old canny foxes will have learned to jump the wires so don't leave enough gap for a fox to jump in to.

 

[Castle Farm]

Use Heras security panels. Easy to move if needed and a lot cheaper than putting posts in.