making a larger “free range” enclosure

[Aunt Angus]

THIS!

I personally accept the risk of hawks with my open-topped run as the tradeoff for giving the birds a lot of extra space. Even though I know absolutely for sure that hawks nest on our property or our neighbors' property.

It depends on your budget and your risk tolerance.

Well said, @3KillerBs

 

[Aunt Angus]

i like the hot wire idea. ive got a little dog and a 1 year old in addition to the chickens, so if i can keep coyotes and bobcats out for good, that’s a win.

I won't be without it. I live in a wooded area, too. I have electric around my goays' pasture, too. We had a bear come through a few weeks ago. I like to think the electric kept it at bay (though it was probably more interested in our trash and the strawberries than our animals - too much work).

 

[DickMidnight]

i should be more clear…this extra space is for daytime roaming while we’re home. i plan to make a door to their secure coop/run that i’ll close up at night.

 

[Aunt Angus]

i should be more clear…this extra space is for daytime roaming while we’re home. i plan to make a door to their secure coop/run that i’ll close up at night.

I figured that's what you meant. I don't chance it, but maybe my predators are more active during the day than yours are. Hawks are diurnal, and foxes are ever-present here. If you are willing to take the risk, you'll be fine!

 

[Boise-girls]

Regarding hawks - the more overhead protection and hiding places you can provide, the better. My much-smaller chicken yard looks like a hobo camp - lots of shade cloth, tarps, boards, chairs, a table, etc.

The hens seem to prefer those protected areas for hanging out, especially when resting. They also prefer the spots with lower cover (3-4' high) vs those with higher cover (5-7' high), although they use both.

There's an added benefit in providing more shade in the summer and more dry spots in the rain. However, we haven't been through winter together yet, so my story could change!

 

[Aunt Angus]

In case you're interested, here's where I purchased my netting:
https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...Ar-0G570ir-HIoltLyN2ZZHfuLJ4fK5saAkeSEALw_wcB

 

[DickMidnight]

In case you're interested, here's where I purchased my netting:
https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...Ar-0G570ir-HIoltLyN2ZZHfuLJ4fK5saAkeSEALw_wcB

thanks! i’ll definitely look into it.

i think between the hardware cloth and some kind of cover it’ll be plenty secure for how we’re planning to use that area

 

[Aunt Angus]

thanks! i’ll definitely look into it.

i think between the hardware cloth and some kind of cover it’ll be plenty secure for how we’re planning to use that area

Sounds like a plan! I'd appreciate seeing pics in the process and/or of the final product. I plan to start my project soon, and would love the inspo!

 

[Ponypoor]

my run is currently fully enclosed and predator proof, but i’ve got a ton of space (i’m on 4 acres) and want to make a larger area for the chickens to safely “free range”

here’s all the space around the coop that i can utilize. it’s wooded so there’s definitely tons of bugs and plants for them to pick at.

View attachment 2883523View attachment 2883524View attachment 2883525View attachment 2883526

the plan has always been to circle our yard in deer fencing just as peace of mind for our dogs and kids. ive got 1,000 feet of 7.5’ tall deer fencing sitting in my driveway waiting to be installed.

now i’m thinking of going a little wider behind the coop and enclosing an area adjacent to their run.

climbing/jumping won’t be a concern because of the height of the fence. i’ll likely put down an anti digging apron anchored to baseboards, but with all the tree roots i don’t think that’ll be too problematic either.

anything else i should do to make this open area as safe as possible for the chickens? thanks.

I would run a hot-wire around the top and about a foot off the ground on the outside perimeter. This should control bears, racoons, cats, etc.

As for raptors (hawks, owls, etc) can't help you there! That is my huge concern since I saw a coopers hawk flying over yesterday!

 

[aart]

we’ve got fox, coyotes, and raccoons.

....and bears.

Not sure how you could put a 'cover' in that area, so many trees.

i’m in CT.

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