Apple tree vs. chicken run security

[arcatamarcia]

I am designing a chicken coop and run for my small suburban backyard. My dilemma is balancing the security needs of the chickens with the growing needs of my apple trees. The coop will be nestled behind four apple trees in my back yard, maybe 40 feet from the house. In order to have a decent size run, it will have to wind under the trees. I'm trying to minimize the cutting of tree limbs, and thought the chickens might enjoy roosting on one of the beefier, lower limbs of one of the trees. My question is what kind of precautions are necessary to protect the chickens from predatory birds (hawks and owls) and raccoons, which are my primary concerns. If I cover the top of the run, leaving just enough opening for a tree branch to poke through, will that be enough? Or are there some predators that will creep through even a small hole four feet off the ground in order to snag a tasty treat?

 

[windtryst]

We did that, covering the run and leaving room for a tree limb, and a hawk was walking on the top and fell in where the deer netting came up to the tree limb. Killed a chicken before we could chase him out! After that we built this in a different area.

 

[arcatamarcia]

Okay, whack those limbs it is. Thanks for sharing. I get to learn your hard-won lesson the easy way.

 

[DaveD]

Arc, You could be ok, just dont use Deer netting, as it isn't strong enough. Stick with the hardware cloth or welded wire
-David

 

[Neilette]

My chickens started eating the apple tree leaves. I strung plastic garden netting underneath the branches and that was enough to befuddle them.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Windtryst, that is a beautiful set up you have there. I really like it.

Hawks like to perch in trees or on the edges of runs, to study the best way to get in. I'm glad you are going the more protective route.