The orchard is approximately 2/3 acre and the task of keeping it mowed, particularly between the trees, is an unenviable one to say the least. Last year the riding lawnmower took out more trees than George Jones. A more sustainable method of grass control in the orchard is in order. Ruminants do a pretty good job at keeping grass in check but the fruit trees are still small enough so sheep and goats would not only eat the grass but the trees too. Ruminants in an orchard can also cause E. coli problems. Some people have had success with chickens. In addition, studies have shown that raising hens on pasture reduces feed costs by up to 15% and provides better quality eggs with characteristic golden yolks rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It made sense to give the chickens a go at being natural lawn mowers but first a couple of problems had to be overcome.
First, the chickens in the orchard area are at risk from several dogs in the neighborhood. After a recent attack that killed two hens, this flock is now kept in a run and free-ranged only when someone is present. Second, it would be nice if the chickens would eat the grass in the orchard but they tend to spend more time out of the orchard than in it when they are let out of their run. Building a fence around the orchard would thus kill the proverbial two birds with one stone.
In deciding on a fence, an electric wire fence was selected since it is quick to erect, easy to move, and is relatively inexpensive. Wooden posts were used for the corners with metal T-posts every 16 feet. The fence comprises of four strands of Aluminum wire. The bottom wire is quite low at 6 inches off the ground to deter anything from going under the fence. The top wire is at the height of a typical dog’s nose. A Fi-Shock SS440 solar charger powers the fence. One of these units has been successfully used to control the pigs in the garden.
At first the chickens hopped through the fence since their feathers make them relatively immune to a shock if they are quick. If they touch the fence for any length of time they eventually do get a shock causing the shocked bird to leap into the air and emitting some loud squawks. Harold the rooster got a shock. He was either upset with me laughing at him or he assumed I had caused him the shock since he attacked me for the first time and drew blood with his spurs. When he came at me again I whacked him with the feed bucket and now we are back to being friends.
It is possible to step over the fence but there is not a lot of clearance. Compared to a woven or welded wire fence this is quite a useful feature since it negates the need for building more gates. The downside is that if you are not careful you experience a nasty shock as you straddle the fence – a definite “Don’t taze me bro” moment.
Even though the hens could probably jump through the wires if they wanted to, the fence has so far been effective at confining them to the orchard. Not sure yet of how effective the fence will be against the dogs. In terms of grass control, already there are some areas where the grass is pretty close but a higher density of birds is needed to completely effective. One source suggests that pasture continues to thrive at 50 hens per acre with a density of 200 hens per acre completely destroying it. More chickens will be added to this area in due course as the chicks get bigger (hopefully before mowing season).
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