Expanding my run

[Wvsteph23]

I have a large coop with about an 8x8’ run attached. I have been out of the chicken business for about 2 years and ready to get back. I have several large trees in the perfect spot to use as posts. I’m going to make a pretty large area their new run and trying to decide how to top it off. Was thinking about using mesh netting to zip tie from one side to the next. Any thoughts on this? I want to make as big a run as I can, but obviously want to protect anything from getting inside it.

 

[GodLovesU]

I have netting secured with zip ties over my run.I put it on mostly to keep the chickens in.I haven’t had any predator problems in years because of the dogs.

 

[head chicken in charge]

Would really depend on the kind of predators in your area. Where I live, we have hawks. So a solid roof,
(for me) Is important for their safety. Now you mentioned that you're wanting to use the trees as posts. Definitely like that idea, and without seeing any of this, I'd say if the trees have a fairly decent size canopy of branches that could provide some extra coverage to work in tandem with your overhead nets I'd say go for it. Now this is just speculation about predators that could attack from above. Obviously Raccoons, possums, predators that can climb and dig Would still need to be addressed. Sorry for the long reply lol. I hope this helps. Any follow-up questions feel free to ask

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

We almost went with netting when we did our run expansion and am glad we went with hog/goat panels for the tops (as well as sides) it has been sturdy enough to protect the girls from falling limbs underneath our 70+ year old trees.

So, aside from predators, limbs are another thought too.

 

[Love Donkeys]

You stated you will be attaching the run to trees to use the trees as posts. You didn't mention how you are going to attach the run material....

Over the years we have erected miles and miles of fencing on our farm. Do not put your fencing around the trees. As the trees grows they will grow over the fencing causing damage to your run. My husband attaches a pressure treated 2x4 to the tree, facing the fence to be, with screws that will not rust away, like decking or pallet screws. Then attach the fencing to the 2x4's, that way the tree can grow without damaging your run....

 

[RojoMarz]

Do you get snow? We do...I used netting to cover the run. When it snowed, the netting sagged and ripped. I was always trying to get the snow off the netting so it would spring back up off the ground. I finally removed the netting as it was pretty torn up and had lots of repairs made with zip ties.