enclosing the run with tress?

[Northwest_Wannabe]

I would maybe try either a taller fence or netting off the top, or maybe both?

 

[clickchicks]

@Sonya9

The naughty hen in question in a Sapphire Gem, which has no standard so I'm not sure what she'll end up like. All the online sources say Gems are mostly Barred Rock, but she's smaller and way leaner than her actual Barred Rock flockmate (who is my heftiest bird).

I have a sneaking suspicion I will not get lucky with this one and have her decide on her own that staying on the ground is better

@Northwest_Wannabe

I think netting is good, I just need to figure out if its realistic or even possible to do with all these dang trees.

 

[Folly's place]

It will be more difficult, for sure. Fun!
Mary

 

[neo71665]

IMHO trees in the run are just another way predators can enter and hide

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you get very creative (and have a tall ladder) you can probably work netting around and between the trees, securing them to branches and such. Your coop is tall enough to be an anchor point on that side. Might need some taller supports on the side where the low black fence is - sort of like how I managed to get a 6' head clearance on the edge of a 4' fence with U posts and tension wire:


Of course keep in mind that falling branches/debris can catch in the netting, so it's something you'll need to manage.

 

[Folly's place]

It's the purple palace!
Mary

 

[clickchicks]

If you get very creative (and have a tall ladder) you can probably work netting around and between the trees, securing them to branches and such. Your coop is tall enough to be an anchor point on that side. Might need some taller supports on the side where the low black fence is - sort of like how I managed to get a 6' head clearance on the edge of a 4' fence with U posts and tension wire:
View attachment 2268139

Of course keep in mind that falling branches/debris can catch in the netting, so it's something you'll need to manage.

This looks great! What type of netting did you use?

I'm going back and forth on if I should invest in a heavier duty netting or something thinner like regular garden bird netting. Your point about branches is a good one, as are squirrels now that I think about it. I'm sure they'll be temped to climb it, so thinner netting may rip. But it'll also be easier to install and cheaper to replace if something does go wrong.

 

[rosemarythyme]

This looks great! What type of netting did you use?

I use the 2" heavy knotted netting from here: https://pinnonhatch.com/Poultry-Sup...tting-and-Fencing/Poultry-Protection-Netting/ They have various weights available but the 2" heavy is a pretty popular choice on this forum. Won't keep out squirrels though.