Big run fiasco--is it worth it?

[aart]

I had two much older hens when I integrated two years ago. One of them recently died. What are you thinking regarding this--bullying?

Yep, I was thinking it might be a newer integration...but when a bird is removed from a flock can cause a kerfluffle in the pecking order.

 

[chookchick]

So it turns out there is a family of at least 3 small hawks (either Coopers or Sharp-shinned) living in the trees directly over my new run I suspected as much, but my neighbors, who are avid birders, just confirmed it. I'm SO glad the hens were only briefly in the run before I decided to cover it, and especially that the chicks did not go in there!

 

[aart]

I suspected as much, but my neighbors, who are avid birders, just confirmed it.

Are those birders feeding wild birds in their yard?

 

[chookchick]

Yes, they are. Between the birds at their feeders, and the rats attracted to my coop, the hawks must have a pretty good hunting ground. Hope they catch a few wild rabbits too!

 

[AmyJane725]

I think it's definitely worth it to make your run expansion as safe as possible. You've seen for yourself how many predators you have. If you don't cover it it's just a matter of time.

 

[aart]

Yes, they are. Between the birds at their feeders, and the rats attracted to my coop, the hawks must have a pretty good hunting ground. Hope they catch a few wild rabbits too!

It's toss up whether the BOP attracted by the feeders will help with the rodents or go after your chickens.