Higher fence or over net?

[Silver Sebright]

Even for just a small "outside" run? I like to leave it open because were "inside" city limits and theres literally 0 threats to the girls.

It might actually be better than for higher fence just make sure they know they're not allowed outside the coop.

 

[cholland]

I would do a taller fence. Mine is 7 foot.
I do have hawks and have zig zagged clothes line over the run. Has worked so far. If I have younger birds I definitely keep them covered until almost full sized.

If you do use Poultry net get it up high and pull it tight. I've had some get tangled it in so I dont use it anymore.

 

[lazy gardener]

There are threats even within city limits. Hawks pay no attention to town lines. Peregrine falcons have been known to nest on building ledges. Raccoons are rampant, as are many other predators. You would be amazed at what lurks around within city limits. I used to work 3 - 11 shift at a busy hospital in the city. I often saw coons prowling around in the parking lot on my way to my car at night. Are dogs allowed in your city? Dogs are the number 1 killer of chickens. Yes, there may be a leash law, but that will not stop a dog from "getting loose". That chicken wire will not keep any predator out. But a bit of netting over the top will keep the hawks out.

 

[BkydPA]

It might actually be better than for higher fence just make sure they know they're not allowed outside the coop.

They answer like dogs, i just dont want em runnin round the whole property while im not home. Thats why i did the bigger run fer em, but i worry bout them "explorin" the neighbors gardens an all.

 

[BkydPA]

There are threats even within city limits. Hawks pay no attention to town lines. Peregrine falcons have been known to nest on building ledges. Raccoons are rampant, as are many other predators. You would be amazed at what lurks around within city limits. I used to work 3 - 11 shift at a busy hospital in the city. I often saw coons prowling around in the parking lot on my way to my car at night. Are dogs allowed in your city? Dogs are the number 1 killer of chickens. Yes, there may be a leash law, but that will not stop a dog from "getting loose". That chicken wire will not keep any predator out. But a bit of netting over the top will keep the hawks out.

Thats true, when i lived in AL we had all our birds covered but in PA i havent really gave it a thought thanks.

 

[Silver Sebright]

They answer like dogs, i just dont want em runnin round the whole property while im not home. Thats why i did the bigger run fer em, but i worry bout them "explorin" the neighbors gardens an all.

Well then I would recommend enclosing them in their coop til you get back home.

 

[cholland]

I have also had much success with just a single electric wire around the bottom. About 5 inches high. Has kept digger and climbers out of my run. Of course the coop is secure at night.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Even for just a small "outside" run? I like to leave it open because were "inside" city limits and theres literally 0 threats to the girls.

I am pretty sure a stray dog could take down the extended run in no time. We had my in-laws dogs come down one day and I had a similar prefab. If the dogs had been out there longer, they would have even gotten through the hardware cloth of the prefab (it was bent at the door where I didn't reinforce it with more hw cloth).
I would think of a whole different set up for the run as the chicken wire isn't going to keep the chickens in if they can hop or fly over and will allow predators easy access - even inside city limits.

 

[BkydPA]

Thanks for all the info, the girls are all almost grown so ill probably go w/ a hard wire fencing w/the poultry wire then another level of poultry wire to make a 7 foot total fence for the outer run.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How about a hoop run?

Here is a shot of mine to give you a visual.

Inexpensive, easy and works to keep birds in and common predators out.

Plus I can walk in it.

Plastic on for winter protection.