New to chickens in San Diego!

[sydcal]

Hi all!
I've been lurking around here the past few days so I figured I should make an account properly.

I've never had chickens, but I work with wildlife so I've cared for birds from seabirds and raptors to songbirds and gamebirds. I currently live in a rural area of San Diego with my dog and some smaller indoor pets. I'm interested in getting chickens to complement a garden I have at my work. I manage the garden and fruit trees to supplement the diets of the omnivores we care for. We're on a large piece of land and there's ample space around the garden. I want to integrate the coop and run so the chickens can help protect the garden from insects while also giving us eggs to feed to our animals. I'm pretty handy, so even though I will be on a tight budget I am confident I can make a large enclosure.
My only challenge (and maybe y'all can help me with this) is that I want the run covered and protected from raptors, but I don't think I can cover over the fruit trees. So I'm still searching for a solution to keep the chooks safe but let the trees grow.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC

I'd think posting your question on this forum may be a good idea - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/predators-and-pests.13/

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, good luck in establishing your flock in a predator proof environment.

 

[Plip]

Welcome to BYC! Great to have you here!

We have bald eagles as well as various hawks and owls around, and I've never lost a chicken to a raptor. (I have had eagle try a couple of times, but that's another story.) The chickens seem to be pretty aware of what's overhead, and more than once I've seen a shadow pass through the run and chickens all run for the coop.

I think partial cover outside, while not guaranteed protection, would go a long way to preserving your flock.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hi all!
I've been lurking around here the past few days so I figured I should make an account properly.

I've never had chickens, but I work with wildlife so I've cared for birds from seabirds and raptors to songbirds and gamebirds. I currently live in a rural area of San Diego with my dog and some smaller indoor pets. I'm interested in getting chickens to complement a garden I have at my work. I manage the garden and fruit trees to supplement the diets of the omnivores we care for. We're on a large piece of land and there's ample space around the garden. I want to integrate the coop and run so the chickens can help protect the garden from insects while also giving us eggs to feed to our animals. I'm pretty handy, so even though I will be on a tight budget I am confident I can make a large enclosure.
My only challenge (and maybe y'all can help me with this) is that I want the run covered and protected from raptors, but I don't think I can cover over the fruit trees. So I'm still searching for a solution to keep the chooks safe but let the trees grow.

Welcome I buy a netting from Amazon Welcome to Backyard Chickens you are able top put it over trees and not expensive
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748HGZD3/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[N F C]

It's nice to have you here, best of luck with fulfilling your plans!

Just one thing...the chickens will probably help with garden pest control but they also like to eat garden produce just like we do. So protect your leafy greens and anything you don't want them to demolish

 

[ronott1]

Welcome to Backyard chickens!

You will love the chickens!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hope you will enjoy BYC as much as we do

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!