I hate to start a new thread with every question. But I don't want to hijack other threads.
Anyway, I have a dozen RIR chicks that are about 2 1/2 weeks old. As soon as the weather breaks, I will be building a coop first and then an attached run. I was figuring on having to close the top of the run to keep the girls (and guys) from flying out. Either that or clip their wings, which I would rather not do if I don't have to.
While reading some books, I get the impression that I will not have to worry about them flying out of the run as long as the wire is around 6' tall. If I close the top, I was going to make it at least a bit over 6' so that I can walk in it for cleaning.
So what do you think? Do I need to worry about them flying out if the top is left open?
I may end up closing the top later on anyway, I am just trying to see what has to be done at first and what can wait awhile.
As far as I know, we don't have any problems with hawks. I may be wrong though. Obviously, if I find out that I am wrong, I will be closing it asap.
Is metal wire required for the top, of will the newer plastic netting be sufficient? I plan on running a strand of electric fence a few inches off the ground and a few inches below the top of the wife, so it would be just for keeping the girls in and hawks out, if needed.
Anyway, I have a dozen RIR chicks that are about 2 1/2 weeks old. As soon as the weather breaks, I will be building a coop first and then an attached run. I was figuring on having to close the top of the run to keep the girls (and guys) from flying out. Either that or clip their wings, which I would rather not do if I don't have to.
While reading some books, I get the impression that I will not have to worry about them flying out of the run as long as the wire is around 6' tall. If I close the top, I was going to make it at least a bit over 6' so that I can walk in it for cleaning.
So what do you think? Do I need to worry about them flying out if the top is left open?
I may end up closing the top later on anyway, I am just trying to see what has to be done at first and what can wait awhile.
As far as I know, we don't have any problems with hawks. I may be wrong though. Obviously, if I find out that I am wrong, I will be closing it asap.
Is metal wire required for the top, of will the newer plastic netting be sufficient? I plan on running a strand of electric fence a few inches off the ground and a few inches below the top of the wife, so it would be just for keeping the girls in and hawks out, if needed.