Hi all, this is a great site, I found it several weeks ago looking for coop designs. I have baby chicks coming next month and this time, my run needs to be predator proof! My interest is laying hens, Ive had chickens over the years since I was a kid. I also have horses, boer and oberhasli goats, dogs, cats, doves, ducks 2 kids in 4H and Pony Club and a long suffering husband!
from the Central Coast of California. Like you, we needed a predator proof henhouse and run. It pays to put a little work into it at the beginning. You'll have so much fun with your chicks. Our six hens are great pets and layers. Best of luck!
Thanks! Last time I kept 20 pullets in a cyclone fenced, river rock lined run, and probably a fox or possum got in and slaughtered everything.
Asking around, I found out that the common best prevention is hot wire around the perimeter of the run. Besides, it will keep the horses from leaning and scratching themselves on it