Raising backyard chickens is becoming increasingly popular but letting your flock free range can lead to destroyed gardens and unhappy neighbors. Chicken wire balls offer a unique solution that allows chickens to safely forage while protecting your yard. These innovative enclosures let chickens roam freely while keeping them contained.
What Are Chicken Wire Balls?
Chicken wire balls also called chicken orbs or rolling chicken runs are spherical enclosures made from welded wire fencing. They resemble oversized hamster balls and function much the same way. The chicken can walk, peck, and scratch inside the ball as it rolls around the yard. Some models include a hatch for easy access.
Chicken wire balls range from 18 to 30 inches in diameter. They are available in steel, galvanized wire, or aluminum Steel and wire allow chickens to access grass and bugs but block larger debris. Aluminum has smaller openings to further restrict mess.
These balls accommodate birds up to 10 pounds. Larger options are available for bigger breeds. Miniature balls for bantams and chicks are also sold.
Benefits of Chicken Wire Balls
Chicken wire balls offer several advantages over traditional chicken runs:
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Portability – Easily roll your chicken anywhere in the yard. Take them on trips to let them free range in new areas.
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Protection – Keeps chickens safely contained and away from gardens and landscaping. Avoid chicken destruction or escapees.
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Enrichment – Allows natural foraging behaviors. Chickens can nibble grass, scratch soil, and hunt bugs.
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Cleaner Coops – Chickens spend less time soiling bedding when outside exploring. Reduces cleaning frequency.
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Healthier Birds – Fresh air, exercise, and varied diet promote chicken health. They also produce more nutritious eggs.
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Predator Protection – Balls prevent attack from above but offer limited ground protection. Don’t leave unattended.
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Reduced Stress – Rolling balls let timid birds avoid flock aggression. Chickens feel less confined than traditional runs.
Where To Buy Chicken Wire Balls
Chicken wire balls are sold at select farm supply stores and specialty chicken retailers. However, the largest selection is found online through sites like:
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Amazon – Search “chicken wire ball” or “chicken orb.” Multiple size options under $100.
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Etsy – Many handmade wire balls for $60-$150. Some include cute chicken decals.
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Premier1Supplies – Steel and aluminum balls from 18″ to 30″ for $40-$180.
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My Pet Chicken – 18″ and 21″ galvanized wire balls for $50-$80. Starter balls for chicks too.
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ChickenAndChicksInfo – 18″ to 30″ wire and aluminum balls priced from $50-$150.
Check manufacturer websites as well for direct purchasing. Look for sales around spring chicken buying season.
Chicken Wire Ball Training Tips
Chickens will need time to adjust to their new rolling runs. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
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Place favorite treats inside the ball to encourage entry and movement. Slowly roll the ball while feeding.
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Allow supervised exploration time to discover mobility and boundaries. Don’t force frustrated birds.
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Gently assist any stuck chickens until they learn to maneuver the ball.
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Return flustered chickens to the coop to rest. Don’t overwhelm them.
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Increase outdoor time gradually over several days. Bring them in before exhaustion sets in.
Patience and persistence will help chickens learn to love their chicken wire balls.
Ensure Proper Use For Chicken Health
While chicken wire balls provide enriched movement, some precautions are necessary:
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Never leave chickens in balls unattended or overnight due to predator risk.
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Monitor for signs of obesity or leg problems from overuse.
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Check for rubbed feathers or skin from friction against wire walls.
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Avoid use in overly hot weather since balls may overheat.
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Let chickens nest outside balls since most lack egg laying space.
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Provide food and fresh water after outdoor rolling sessions.
With proper supervision, chicken wire balls are a healthy and stimulating option for your flock. They let backyard chickens live their best lives while protecting your yard. Review ball dimensions, materials, and pricing to find the perfect fit for your feathered friends.
Advantages of Using Chicken Wire Mesh Balls
Utilizing chicken wire mesh balls comes with a host of advantages. Their robust structure makes them ideal for long-term use in outdoor environments. The meshs design allows for ample airflow and sunlight penetration, which is crucial for agricultural use. Additionally, the ease of shaping and cutting the mesh lends itself to custom applications, allowing for a tailored approach to meet specific needs.
About chicken wire mesh balls
Chicken wire mesh balls are versatile units crafted from interwoven iron wire, forming a distinctive hexagonal pattern. These mesh balls serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from agricultural to industrial applications. The flexibility and durability of these structures make them an essential component in various settings, fulfilling both functional and protective roles.
The diversity of chicken wire mesh balls is evident in their range of types and applications. In agricultural settings, they are pivotal in safeguarding plants from wildlife, serving as a barrier when applied as garden fencing or plant screens. Their utility extends to creating enclosures such as chicken runs or pet cages, thanks to the hexagonal mesh design that provides both containment and visibility. In industrial domains, these meshes are integral in processes that require sorting or filtering, such as in mining or food processing, where they help in segregating materials based on size.
The construction of chicken wire mesh balls typically involves galvanized iron wire, which enhances their resistance to rust and increases longevity. The strength of the iron wire ensures that the mesh can withstand physical stress, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. The galvanization process, which involves coating the iron wire with a protective layer of zinc, further fortifies the mesh against environmental elements.
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FAQ
Does chicken wire keep snakes out?
Chicken wire has its uses – it’s great for keeping free ranging hens out of the vegetable patch, for instance – but it is not a predator deterrent, and you can tell just by looking at it. The holes in chicken wire aren’t small enough to keep out skunks and weasels, let alone snakes.
What is a stronger alternative to chicken wire?
A thicker wire diameter indicates a stronger material; since hardware cloth has a thicker wire, it is much harder to separate. In this sense, hardware cloth is much stronger than chicken wire.
What is the best wire to use for chickens?
a six footer fence chicken wire or chain link with eletric wire around should do the trick make sure you include a soild part on the lower end like metal …Feb 26, 2023
How do you make a chicken wire ball?
Once you unroll the chicken wire, cut it with wire cutters so it’s about the width of the opening of the container and about twice as long. Then, fold the wire into a roll with the short ends meeting, then fold over the cut ends secure the roll. Once you’ve made the roll of wire, then move to the two ends to tuck those in to make a ball.
Are chicken hamster balls a good idea?
If you stay on a farm, free-range chickens are the norm. Giving your chickens free-range opportunities becomes a little trickier when staying in urban environments. The chicken hamster ball will make your life and the life of your favorite chicken easier in many aspects, as listed in the article.
How do you roll a chicken hamster ball?
You can gently roll the chicken hamster ball by pushing it in the direction that the chicken is facing. Once the chicken starts to move in the rolling chicken run, allow it to explore its new boundaries. Areas the chicken could access before are now out of bounds for her.