Effective Ground Cleaning With Chicken Wire Layering

Chicken wire is a versatile material with a range of applications, from its traditional use in poultry farming to pest control and creative projects. One of its applications is to lay it on the ground, which can be done for various reasons, such as preventing burrowing pests like gophers or creating a foundation for a chicken coop. To clean ground with a layer of chicken wire, maintenance and regular cleaning are crucial. This involves routinely removing debris and waste, such as hay and animal droppings, through methods like hosing down the area or using a long-handled brush. Additionally, when using chicken wire for pest control, it is essential to ensure that the mesh size is small enough to effectively deter the targeted pests.

Use a hose to clean the ground

Using a hose is an effective way to clean the ground with a layer of chicken wire. It can help remove dirt, debris, and even chicken droppings. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Prepare the Area

Before you start hosing down the chicken wire, it's essential to prepare the area. Remove any items or obstacles that might obstruct your cleaning. If there is any loose debris, such as leaves, twigs, or hay, use a broom or a leaf blower to clear it away. This step ensures that you're not just moving the debris around with the hose but actually removing it from the area.

Rinse with Water

Attach a nozzle with a high-pressure setting to your hose. Start rinsing the chicken wire and the ground underneath with water. This initial rinse will help loosen and wash away any dirt, droppings, or remaining debris. It's normal for the chicken wire to have a build-up of waste, so don't be discouraged if it takes some time.

Apply a Cleaning Solution

For more stubborn stains or areas with mildew, apply a cleaning solution directly to the chicken wire and the ground. You can use a mixture of water and bleach or opt for a specialised cleaner. Be cautious when using bleach, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

Scrub and Rinse Again

Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the chicken wire and the ground to remove any remaining dirt or grime. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn stains. Once you're satisfied, give the area a final rinse with clean water. Ensure that all the cleaning solution is washed away, and there is no soap residue left behind.

Let It Dry

After hosing down the area, let the chicken wire and the ground dry completely before using the area again or putting back any items. This step ensures that you maintain a clean and hygienic space for your chickens.

Remember to maintain a regular cleaning routine. The key to effective cleaning is not letting the dirt and debris build up over time. By hosing down the chicken wire and the ground periodically, you'll find that the cleaning process becomes more manageable.

Use a brush to clean the ground

Using a brush to clean the ground is a viable option, especially if you're dealing with a small section of brush or just a few saplings. Here are some steps and tools to help you effectively clean the ground with a brush:

Firstly, assess the area you need to clean. If it's a large area with thick overgrowth, a brush mower might be the best option. For smaller areas or fewer saplings, a brush grubber or string trimmer could be more suitable. A brush grubber is a set of metal jaws with spikes that dig into a small tree or stump, allowing you to pull it out by its roots. String trimmers can be either walk-behind or handheld and are perfect for cleaning up fence lines and clearing thin weeds and grasses.

If you opt for a string trimmer, consider adding a DuraBlades kit or a Beaver Blade attachment to enhance its effectiveness. The DuraBlades kit turns your trimmer into a brush cutter capable of handling woody brush, while the Beaver Blade attachment enables you to slice through saplings with ease.

For thicker vines and brambles, a tree pruner will come in handy. Cut them down and toss them aside, then focus on larger weeds by pulling them out at the root. You can also use a scythe or string trimmer to cut the remaining vegetation as close to the ground as possible. If the overgrowth is tall, consider cutting it down halfway first and then trimming it to the ground on a second pass.

Finally, grab a rake and finish clearing any remaining brush. Remember to create piles as you work, keeping in mind your disposal method, whether it's a compost pile, trash collection, or a yard waste dumpster.

While using a brush to clean the ground is a feasible option, it's important to note that this method might require more physical labour and time compared to using power tools like a chainsaw or brush mower.

Cover the ground with hay

Covering the ground with hay is a great way to keep your garden clean, especially if you have chicken coops. Hay is grass that is cut while still green and full of nutrients, but before it has gone to seed. It is soft, dense, and spongy, and it soaks up water and remains moist. This makes it ideal for regions that do not receive much rainfall.

When using hay, it is important to note that it will not give you a dry layer of cover. It is also lightweight and can blow away with some wind, so it may be more suitable for smaller areas. Additionally, hay can be slippery to walk on. Despite these considerations, hay is a fantastic mulch for growing flowers and vegetables, and it will provide a great yield.

To use hay as mulch, create a thick layer of up to 8 inches (20 cm) over your garden soil. You can then push seeds and starters into the hay and watch them grow. This method may require a large quantity of hay initially, but you won't need to add the same amount year after year. Be sure to use high-quality hay to limit the amount of seeds present.

Hay is also useful for covering crop residues. A thin layer of 4 to 5 inches is recommended for this purpose. By spring, the hay will have reduced close to ground level, and you can plant seeds on and through it without moving it. This saves work and allows for closer row spacing.

Secure the chicken wire with staples

Securing chicken wire with staples is a straightforward process, but it does require two people. First, you and your partner should stretch the wire mesh to the next post, ensuring that it is pulled taut. Then, use poultry staples to secure the wire mesh to the post. You can use a heavy-duty stapler or a hammer to drive the staples into the ground. Repeat this process for each section of the fence, making sure that the chicken wire is firmly attached.

It's important to note that this method is best suited for attaching chicken wire to the ground or wooden posts. If you're working with uneven terrain or need a more flexible option, you might consider using cable wires or wire clips instead of staples. This alternative method involves pounding stakes into the ground and attaching the wire mesh to the stakes with sturdy wire fasteners.

When using staples to secure chicken wire, it's crucial to use the right type of staples specifically designed for poultry applications. These staples are longer and designed to securely attach the wire to the ground or wooden posts. Additionally, always wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, when working with chicken wire to prevent injuries from sharp wire fragments.

To enhance the stability of your chicken wire setup, especially in windy areas, you can incorporate additional anchoring methods. For example, you can use Steel U-Pins or pegs at the base of the chicken wire, pushing them into the soil to provide extra support. This will help ensure that your chicken wire remains securely in place and can withstand external forces.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively secure chicken wire with staples, creating a sturdy and reliable barrier for your intended application. Remember to maintain your chicken wire setup by regularly inspecting it for any loose ends or damage and making necessary repairs to ensure its longevity.

Secure the chicken wire with wire clips

Securing chicken wire with wire clips is a reliable method to keep your chicken wire in place, even in areas with challenging terrain or uneven ground where poultry staples may not be suitable. This method involves attaching the wire mesh to posts or stakes using sturdy wire fasteners.

To begin, pound the stakes into the ground along your fence line, ensuring they are secure and at regular intervals of 1 to 2 metres apart. Stretch the wire mesh between the posts, making sure it is taut and tightly secured. Use wire clips to attach the wire mesh to the posts, creating a strong and secure connection.

Wire clips are a good alternative to poultry staples, which can be hammered into the ground to secure the wire mesh. However, staples may not be suitable for all types of terrain, and wire clips offer a more versatile option.

For added stability, especially in windy areas, you can also use Steel U-Pins or pegs at the base of the chicken wire, pushing them into the soil to hold the wire in place. This will ensure that your chicken wire remains firmly attached and secure.

Frequently asked questions