How important is it to have the run covered by additional fencing or netting?

[over-easy]

My husband is in the process of building the run and we will have fencing that is 6 feet tall. The chickens will have access to the run during the day but locked up at night. Is there really a need to have a cover over the top - how much of a threat are larger birds?

 

[MontanaDolphin]

Hawks are a HUGE threat, against chicks and adult chickens/roosters. Even without netting over the top, I've seen where people have had hawks find any weakness in the actual coop or run, squeeze through, and kill chickens. You could have the walls 20 ft high and a bird of prey will still try for them.

Don't take the chance, cover it up!

 

[over-easy]

THANKS!!!!