Before I screw up...any advice?

[birdlovin gal]

Wow, that's a great link! Exactly what I was thinking. I do plan to use netting over the top as we have tons of hawks and even the occasional eagle. Last month a hawk snagged a bird at my feeder and I was only 15' away - it was scary! I have a woodchuck (Gertrude) that lives in our backyard rock wall, she's been here for 3 years and though I love to watch her, I don't really want to share my veggies. It's bad enough she eats my tulips! We also have lots of deer, coyote, fox, raccoons, bears, and evil fisher cats. I live on 5 acres surrounded by conservation land and state property.

So it looks like I have my work cut out for me - I'd better start sucking up to the hubby!

 

[Stumpy]

I think it's a great idea. I hope you'll post photos!

 

[Ms Ellen]

Cool! Will you also let the chickens in the garden in the off season? My chickens have been destroying my garden despite the fence they managed to get over. Now they are grounded to their run till the veggies get a bit bigger. Or grow at all at this rate.

 

[Judy]

I noticed in the article they said the moat stopped hawks from attacking chickens as they would not risk dealing with the two fences so close together. And it stopped grasshoppers, rodents and deer.... that would be worth a lot around here.... I would think some string zigzagged across would be plenty of additional insurance against hawks, if you wanted it; I don't think I'd go to the expense of covering the run.

It also occurred to me that you could use chicken wire for the inside fence since it is only used to stop chickens.

 

[birdlovin gal]

Stumpy - Sure I will post pics, but I hope you are patient!

Ms Ellen - Sure, I'll let my girls go to town once I've picked it clean myself! You must be in a warm area, we won't plant until the end of May.

ddawn - Great idea for chicken wire inside, will save $$$ for sure! I will still most likely cover the space above as the hawks here are very brazen. The girls are really pets, so I will protect them as I would any pet. BTW, my name is Dawn also.

Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!