I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what that's' like.
Mine are 7 months old, barely molting, and can fly 8ft when the do their egg dance looking for a place to nest. Really most days.
Metal welded wire and 1/2 hardware cloth are the only way to go. Cover the run/yard with both for added strength. A hawk can be huge and crash down that plastic netting.
It's amazing how the crows help the chickens.
If cost is an issue make sure you plant a lot of places for the ladies to hide out of sight from hawks. Perhaps you can find the electric netting wire or run a few pieces of electric tape or wire above some chicken wire at the top. Chicken wire only keeps chickens in and nothing out.
Good luck. Don't give up.
Mine are 7 months old, barely molting, and can fly 8ft when the do their egg dance looking for a place to nest. Really most days.
Metal welded wire and 1/2 hardware cloth are the only way to go. Cover the run/yard with both for added strength. A hawk can be huge and crash down that plastic netting.
It's amazing how the crows help the chickens.
If cost is an issue make sure you plant a lot of places for the ladies to hide out of sight from hawks. Perhaps you can find the electric netting wire or run a few pieces of electric tape or wire above some chicken wire at the top. Chicken wire only keeps chickens in and nothing out.
Good luck. Don't give up.
