My first post

[KLLEETRUCKING]

We have 4 RIRs about 7 months old that we let free range during the day. Have we been lulled into a false sense of security from ground predators since the girls have developed "flight"? Our place is right along 8 acres of woods and have suffered some losses of peeps already when they were allowed into the pen (uncovered). My GF saw 2 foxes in the pen yesterday morning, said they cleared the 4 ft. fence like it wasn't even there.
Not to offend anyone, is the term RIR acceptable? If not, my apologies.

 

[addicted2pits]

yea it is if you're referring to Rhode Island Red chickens/rooster. have you tried adding some kind of roof? or set traps for the foxes? hope that helps.

 

[KLLEETRUCKING]

Yes, I was referring to Rhode Island Reds. On another forum if you use the term "ratrod" you'll be berated mercilessly. Didn't want to start out on the wrong foot, thanks.
As far as a roof, the pen is about 30 x 30 so covering it is too costly. We did go to great pains to secure the coop though and luckily no intruders YET. Seems like the word has gotten out in the wild kingdom that there's some easy prey here. So far, a coyote, 2 foxes. Word around here is the varmint problem is as bad as it's ever been.

 

[1muttsfan]

If you look on ebay you can find heavy weight poultry netting at a pretty reasonable cost. Dont waste your time and money on anything other than heavy weight, though.

 

[bj taylor]

our run is similar is size. a top just was not feasible. we've put electric wire around the perimeter & we have an 18x20 shade cloth (w/grommets) suspended above the run in the middle. we've strung it to surrounding trees. it provides alot of shade, plus it helps conceal the birds from hawks.
i lock them up at night securely, so daytime is their vulnerable time. i've cut their vulnerablity as much as i can.

 

[leonphelps]

get a couple guineas. they are loud enough to scare away preds sometimes.