Is a cover enough?

[stina3246]

So we built our new coop and made sure nothing could dig in or out but the run wasn't covered so we took screen (like for a screen door) and covered the top. The sides are still open. It's too high for the chicks to fly out but will a hawk still try to fly in? There is about a 4ft gap from where the fence ends to the top is. On 2 side only, the back and front are covered completely. Eventually we will finish the sides but haven't had the time or rescources yet.

 

[jamesrm]

A hawk, no, but raccoons, weasels, other land based poultry eating machines can get through just about anything other than hardware mesh (the welded, woven wire, NOT chicken wire). Will it happen? No one knows, but it just depends on how secure you want your coop and what your budget is.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

we took screen (like for a screen door) and covered the top

I hope you don't live where it snows, since that top won't support any weight​

 

[stina3246]

We live in Florida, no worry about snow here. Although we almost had snow this year!! But then my chickens go inside when it's that cold.