Killer Hawks

[cmom]

I have netting covering all of my pens. I went on eBay and put in a max bid of $125. for 200 ft X 50 ft. My pens are 200' X 60' so I bought some netting, two pieces of 150' X 14' to make up the 10' I was short. I thought I bought it on Amazon but can't find it there so I must have gotten it somewhere else. I put that along the front of the coops and attached it to the other netting by over lapping it some and zip ties. Since I have used hog rings to connect it together. The first netting I got was much easier to work with. The latter netting was different and more of a pain but I got it up. It was similar to this. only it was 150' X 14'.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073F8QH6L/?tag=backy-20

 

[centrarchid]

Chicken tractor(s)

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Netting would be unfeasible where leaves and snow can collect on top

 

[cmom]

I live in Florida. Rarely do we have any snow but I have seen some but it was only a dusting that made the ground white many years ago. I have a couple of coops that could be used as tractors but I have them on the ground permanently. I did move them around initially.
The one on the left is an original one but we modified it and built a second one.

 

[Neggative]

i live in fl to but my pen is in a bunch of large red oak trees so i think the netting would get tooken out by falling limbs...

 

[BigTittyAngela]

I think putting up the nets might be an essential, even though itll be expensive.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Divide your foraging area into separate long runs. Then you can rotate the chickens between them as you encourage the greenery to rejuvenate in the unused runs.
Then you only need one length of netting. Move the netting when you move the hens to a new run.

That way you kill two birds with one stone (so to speak). Your birds will have hawk protection and have the benefit from fresh tender forbs each time you rotate their pasture.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Chicken tractor(s)

Divide your foraging area into separate long runs. Then you can rotate the chickens between them as you encourage the greenery to rejuvenate in the unused runs.
Then you only need one length of netting. Move the netting when you move the hens to a new run.

That way you kill two birds with one stone (so to speak). Your birds will have hawk protection and have the benefit from fresh tender forbs each time you rotate their pasture.

Excellent suggestions!