Garden run dilemma. Suggestions?

[Carols Clucks]

Not sure what other peoples experiences have been with hawks and raised planters and chickens running around.

We have mostly EE's and full sized, not sure we have lost one to hawks. We did loose one about 3 weeks back, but Mom thinks she accidentally locked her out of the coop at night, she saw the last hen to usually go in was in, so she locked it up with out a head count. Next morning she found a hen. She was almost hit by a hawk swooping earlier in the year too. But for the most part, the hawks stay away. We have lots of trees and cover for the chickens though. And the crows chase the hawks too. They nest near by, but only rarely hang out over the garden.

Good luck with what you decide to do! You might want to consider a secure run and only allow them garden access when you are supervising.

 

[Chickenmath]

I've finally taken some pics of the area. Busy week...

This one shows the right side of the coop, and the likely area for the run:

This shows the "front" of the garden with the entry gate more to the left and the garden beds on the right half of the whole area:

Right now I am wanting to start the run from the right front corner of the coop. I would bring that line towards the garden beds (probably leaving about a 5 foot space between the beds and what would be the fence). Then I would turn right and take the fence all the way to the back chain link wall.

It seems like I would need some poles or other supports in the middle of the run to help hold the overhead netting/fencing. What do you think?

 

[ketcham]

WOW!!!! Putting a few $$$$$ into this project.My chickens have a few favorite things in my flower beds.Not sure on the garden,been to wet to even start one here.They did make a mess of the flower bed and think they might do the same to a garden ,if given a chance.Supervision might be best to keep them moving so they don't over work an area.Kevin