Is there a list of protective devices?

[jgilliatt]

The more I read from this site, the more worried I get about my hens. I am adding an additional layer of hardware cloth to all the open areas, but I am also noticing talk of devices such as Niteguard and electric wires. Is there a list of my options? What do you real chicken people recommend?

 

[bakerjw]

I am not a real chicken person but I play one on TV. Sorry. Had to say that.

I use 2 layers of hardware cloth on the openings of my coops and doors that shut tight with as small of cracks as possible. When the chickens go in for the night they get locked in and nothing can get to them.

I am also not afraid of using too much electric fence around the outside perimeters of their run or tractor. The more chances of a predator getting into a wire and taking a shock the better.

I don't have the main run covered with anything yet. There are some deer nets that are 12' or so wide that will work as a deterrent to hawks. I am hoping that the netting combined with CDs will go a long way toward keeping them out of there.