30 30 Fencing requirements while assisting in predator control are also sometimes used to govern external movement of the flock alongside external enrichment such as trees or shades. Where possible a good quality six strand wire or netting should be used around the perimeter. This should be dug well into the ground. LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE › PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Pop holes Fencing Adding additional stone immediately outside the pop holes will act as a natural door mat and provide an element of natural drainage. Creating paddock areas, where you divide the outside area into separate sections which can be rotated every 6–8 weeks. This option allows constant regrowth and can be a benefit in worm control. Building a veranda area which allows the birds to walk on an additional wire mesh before entering the litter/ scratch area. Some people choose to use winter gardens. Which is essentially a covered area immediately outside the pop holes providing shelter from weather conditions and a barrier between the internal and external environments. The area immediately outside the pop holes will generally be the most used and can often become poached, especially in inclement weather. There are options available to help manage this area: As you can imagine, having open pop holes can affect the internal temperature and humidity levels as cold damp air is pulled into the house. This will also impede the quality of your litter, particularly in the areas closest to the pop holes. The impact can often be lessened by good range management and the use of pop hole shutters which, while not restricting external access can help reduce the impact of the external environment. Be careful on the angle you set on the shutters as they can cause issues with hens becoming trapped! If leaving wide open, ensure they are snug to the side of the shed.
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