Free ranging and hawks - do you accept the losses?

[CassieD]

Very good to know about the raccoon. I wouldn’t have thought they would be out at that time. I appreciate the answer, thank you

 

[Perris]

Big trees are not useful as cover for chickens. They prefer shrubs, the understorey generally, where they can get through the gaps between branches and larger predators can't follow. A mass of tangled foliage, branches and twigs over their heads is much better protection from aerial predators than a high canopy. Think jungle rather than plain or wood.