Pre-made fence

Urban Pasture Management

I finally figured out a cost-effective way to keep the girls exactly where I want them to be. For a total cost of about $50, I am using portable fencing and stakes from Home Depot. No ties necessary – just weave the stakes through the fencing material and cut to size!

The plan is to create a mini pasture management system similar to what would be used on a farm. The chickens are temporarily segregated to one area, while the grass is over-seeded and recovers in the other area. The fence is only 3 feet high and they don’t even try to get out.

When I switch them to a new area, they can’t believe their good fortune when they see the bugs they haven’t been able to get their beaks on yet.

9 comments

  • Kamran says:

    i 100% support your efforts, it will be very beneficial for all of us if we start growing our own food etc wherever possible and cities should be supportive of that if its not creating problems for others.

  • A couple of comments from a real farmer with 150 hens (Sundridge, ON). Do not keep them too long in one area as they will clan off all the vegiataion and make it bare ground. Also you may want to add in a box of sand so they can have a bath.

    • That is good advice on moving the chickens. The portable fencing I set up does just that. Also good advice on the sand. The first thing the hens do when I move them is to create their own dust bath in their new digs.

  • Paul says:

    What brilliant, simple and low cost solution – thanks for sharing it.

  • I had heard of you a while back and have been inspired to try raising some chickens this year as soon as I have a structure built for them. We have various preditors here, coyotes, racoons, skunks and weasels. Are cats a problem if you start with birds old enough to lay? You have some very sensible and practical ideas. I will continue to check your site for info and hopefully you with be successful in your imancipation efforts.

    • Cats are not a problem for point-of-lay hens. The two coexist perfectly well. Regarding the other predators, you may want to build a structure that would keep them out. Sometimes when no people are around, predators can get pretty nervy. Of course, the hens will need to be locked up from sunset until morning. Also, ask neighbours if hawks are a problem in your area, in which case the fenced-in area would need protection from above.

      A very inexpensive way to get started would be to buy a small dog-run with an adapted dog house inside for egg-laying and roosting. Check it out on Mother Earth News: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/2007-04-01/Portable-Chicken-Mini-coop-Plan.aspx. Use the wire they recommend. Do not use ‘chicken wire.’ It’s very flimsy and easy to chew through.

      Write back and let us know how you make out.

      Good luck!

  • Buck-Buck-Buck says:

    Your efforts are great. Keep on going!!!!!! I live in Mississauga and have the same idea on my mind. P.S. My grandfather has chickens and he is 84 years old!!! I got to raise these chickens and help himn when I was young. I do have some good experience with these creatures. For now, I have none of my own. Maybe sometime, I will get a few pullets. Bye!

  • Buck-Buck-Buck says:

    Again, I want to continue to comment. Do you know about Pullets Plus Inc.? Visit their web!!! They are a very dependable company in Elmira, ON. They supply equipment and hensfor the flock that one may want to start. Good-luck.

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