I wonder if anyone can tell me where I can buy metal rods about 4ft long, to knock into the ground to use as supports for a run of chicken wire. The plastic things I have seen in the garden centres are not what I want.

I know just what you mean, but I always manage to find mine laying around unwanted - usually in skips. I got some really good ones from a skip on Ecclesall Road that were part of a 'wardrobe' one of those that's a frame with fabric over the top.

They really good becuase they're only 3 feet long but they fit inside eachother so can extend to 6 foot.

Go rummaging through skips in student areas, especially now as they'll be throwing this kind of thing away - I'll keep an eye out for you too.

Good luck

thanks for that,I will have a look round

hope you know that chickens can jump well over 4feet

plus on building sites thay have them metal rods with the u on the end thay might be good for you there 3 or 4 feet long