- Jul 13, 2010
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Currently they're in a 24 square foot run attached to the coop. We'd really like them to free range in our side yard as soon as I can get a gate up on the back yard side to keep the dog out. We've got an eight-foot fence running alongside the house with a six-foot gate at the front of the house. The side yard itself is grassy/rocky and relatively unsheltered from the sun, although it gets mainly morning/early afternoon sun (SF Bay Area so relatively mild climate). The idea is that we'll let them run during the day but coop them up at night (we have raccoons and possums in the area), but I'm worried about a couple of things. First, how high can they jump/fly? I doubt they can get over an eight-foot fence but I'm a bit concerned about the gate. Secondly, should we cover the area with mesh to discourage cats and/or predatory birds from getting in? Any advice would be appreciated.