[vichope74]

After what feels like a really long wait my four warrens arrive on Saturday and I can't wait.  My excitement is slightly tempered however by the news that there is a wildcat that visits the gardens here as well as the pesky pine martens so any thoughts I had of my chooks roaming about are now well and truly trashed.  What sort of wire is it that I have to buy to make an enlarged run for them??  I am getting a small run delivered but it will be too small for permanent use and cant use electric fencing due to two young kids.  Will post photo's once they have settled down.

[Roughlee Handled]

After what feels like a really long wait my four warrens arrive on Saturday and I can't wait.  My excitement is slightly tempered however by the news that there is a wildcat that visits the gardens here as well as the pesky pine martens so any thoughts I had of my chooks roaming about are now well and truly trashed.  What sort of wire is it that I have to buy to make an enlarged run for them??  I am getting a small run delivered but it will be too small for permanent use and cant use electric fencing due to two young kids.  Will post photo's once they have settled down.

OK you say wild Cat is that the domesticated type?  Moggy?  If so do not worry.

Pine Martins I do not know about. But I doubt they would take a chicken.

Kids are they small goats?  What ever they are after one shock they will not do it again unless they enjoy it which I doubt.  Why do you think that electric shock treatment works so well.

Do not use chicken wire. 

I would be worried about Foxes though.
All the information you need for wire can be found here.
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=25998.msg307988#msg307988

[compostqueen]

I think it's probable that pine martens would take chickens. I think a good wire to use is Weldmesh

[joyfull]

Agree you need welded wire mesh the thicker gauge the better. A wild cat and pine martins will kill your chickens given a chance as indeed would any foxes which I assume you will have in abundance there. Make sure the wire of the run is dug down by about 8 - 12" into the ground to prevent tunneling and if you can also put a skirt of wire around the outside. Put a roof on the run as the foxes and wild cat will be able to climb. Do you also have birds of prey in the vicinity?

[vichope74]

No Roughlee - I mean wildcat, only 400 left apparently and one of them happens to be right here.

Right will get hold of some welded mesh and start to build.  Thanks for the advice.

Joyfull - yes lots of BOP including golden eagles which I actually saw one of yesterday- beautiful - but not so beautiful as to be allowed a chook or two.  I think the neighbours have started a book on the lifespan of my chickens but will do my damndest to prove them wrong - surely the crofters have managed before!

[joyfull]

definitely put a roof on and be extra extra careful if you decide to raise chicks. I would still be tempted to get an electric fence, I know you have kiddies but they will learn not to touch. Aside from all that you are so lucky to have such wildlife around you. 

[Sarah Mitchell]

Hi Vichope

Wow! Where you live sounds wonderful even if it means you have to take extra precautions for your chooks!  Have you ever seen the wildcat?  They are so rare!

Sarah

[IMOmimey]

the first rule of this forum.....we want piccies   

[richyrich7]

the first rule of this forum.....we want piccies   

Yes and of the wild cat and any other interesting wildlife around