Chicken run

[Keno]

Hi, I'm in the process of building my coop and run for my chicks when they are big enough to move in . Their house is about finished and I have started the run 40' x 100' x 6' high. My queton is , should I plan on covering it ? I will be closing them up in the house at night . I will have Jersey Giants and Light Brahmas , are they known to fly like Banties ?

 

[Chickybaby]

Hi! I would not worry too much about covering it. As long as you are keeping them locked up at night you should be okay. At least that was what I was told. My babies are going out on Saturday (6 week mark) and my chicken yard is not covered. I have trees to provide some overhead protection should there been any hawks, and there could be so I'll be watching for that. As far as flying out, I'm thinking that at first they aren't big or strong enough to get that high. And by the time they are, they are going to be too big to get too far. I also have Lt Brahmas and from what I'm told, they will get BIG. If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me shortly. Good luck!

 

[LynneP]

I'd be more concerned about what can get in, rather than the chickens getting out. Now, we live in a predator zone- foxes, bobcats, coyotes, bears, raptors...wo we're roofing AND using 1/2" mason wire in the run and on the coop porch. We also sank extra mason wire 1'-2' deep arpund the perimeter of the run to keep out diggers.

 

[Keno]

Hi , and thanks for the replies. Here I see the occaisional hawk and eagle ,but lots of owls around of an evening. There have been bobcat and cougar sightings from time to time also. We have coyotes ,racoons and skunks around also and of coarse stray cats. My chicken house and run are located inside of an area that has field fencing all around it that should keep out coyotes and dogs. The coop will be secure and I am going to put boards around bottom of run and put some pretty large rocks around it also to hopefully deter digging in. For added security I planned for a dusk to dawn light for the area also.

 

[Settin'_Pretty]

Your run size might make this beyond affordable, but this is what I plan on using over mine.
http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SC-BL30

You could look into flight netting as well.