Newbie questions!

[ChickChickHorray]

Hi all! Newbie chicken keeper here. We’re getting ready to predator proof our chicken run. Our coop is in the run so that they’re doubly protected at night. We’re using chain link for the run (its a pretty big space) and are going to wrap around the bottom of it with another wire just as an extra precaution. We’re in the Memphis area and have a lot of predators. Now we’re looking at putting something on the top but aren’t sure what to use and aren’t sure what would be the easiest to install on the top. Can anyone share any pictures of their run or any suggestions? We’re also thinking about planting something on the outside of the run and heard bamboo was a good option, has anyone had any experience with bamboo? Thank you all for the advice!

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Hmm, might be worth putting a smaller hole hardware cloth over the whole thing. Underground and over top, with gaps no bigger than 1”. A weasel can climb and then slip through the larger gaps. Raccoons could climb over top. A hawk could fly in from above. Best bet, 360 coverage with STRONG wiring, not chicken wire. Predators are stubborn and unfortunately, quite a few are smart too...

As for the top, maybe you could put plywood or a tarp over the wiring. Keeps the run dry and shady, which is something you’ll want!

 

[venymae]

many people stretch deer netting across the top with good results. What predators do you have? That matters a lot when considering what to use.

 

[ChickChickHorray]

Hmm, might be worth putting a smaller hole hardware cloth over the whole thing. Underground and over top, with gaps no bigger than 1”. A weasel can climb and then slip through the larger gaps. Raccoons could climb over top. A hawk could fly in from above. Best bet, 360 coverage with STRONG wiring, not chicken wire. Predators are stubborn and unfortunately, quite a few are smart too...

As for the top, maybe you could put plywood or a tarp over the wiring. Keeps the run dry and shady, which is something you’ll want!

Great, thank you! Do you find chickens prefer the shade? We have the run in a spot where it gets half sun and half shade. Thanks!

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Great, thank you! Do you find chickens prefer the shade? We have the run in a spot where it gets half sun and half shade. Thanks!

If it gets really hot where you are then shade can be a blessing. If it gets really cold, snowy or rainy then having a cover will be a blessing. I’d rather be under shade in a hot day and under a roof in a blizzard!

 

[ChickChickHorray]

many people stretch deer netting across the top with good results. What predators do you have? That matters a lot when considering what to use.

We have raccoons, foxes, opposums, hawks, a whole spectrum of birds of prey, snakes, and the neighborhoors cats.

 

[TheYLWFlock]

We have raccoons, foxes, opposums, hawks, a whole spectrum of birds of prey, snakes, and the neighborhoors cats.

Yes DEFINITELY do 360 hardware cloth covering... seems excessive, but the pain of losing a bird is far worse than the pain of installing protection.

 

[venymae]

honestly if I was you, I would run a 2-3 foot skirt of hardware cloth along the bottom interior of the chainlink (prevent predators from reaching in and wringing their neck, which does happen). You don't have mink/weasel and that stuff isn't cheap.
Raccoon, and possums hunt primarily at night, so as long as your coop is shut up tight, the run doesn't have to be 100% lock tight against them. As is, your fence will be a pretty big deterrent already.
Hawks/BOP are daytime hunters, deer or bird netting stretched across the top of your run and attached with zip ties to the fencing will work fine (no big holes where it attaches). It will also deter owl if you have those at night. Shade and rain cover is nice, so if you go the tarp route, make sure to get a high quality one, so you're not having to replace it every year, and rig it so it won't collect rainwater in the middle.
Foxes come when they want and will dig, so consider extending a wire apron under the ground around your fence to prevent that from happening. Cats usually don't mess with adult chickens and snakes mostly steal your eggs, and aren't usually a big problem.

 

[ChickChickHorray]

honestly if I was you, I would run a 2-3 foot skirt of hardware cloth along the bottom interior of the chainlink (prevent predators from reaching in and wringing their neck, which does happen). You don't have mink/weasel and that stuff isn't cheap.
Raccoon, and possums hunt primarily at night, so as long as your coop is shut up tight, the run doesn't have to be 100% lock tight against them. As is your fence will be a pretty big deterrent already.
Hawks/BOP are daytime hunters, deer or bird netting stretched across the top of your run and attached with zip ties to the fencing will work fine (no big holes where it attaches). It will also deter owl if you have those at night. Shade and rain cover is nice, so if you go the tarp route, make sure to get a high quality one, so you're not having to replace it every year, and rig it so it won't collect rainwater in the middle.
Foxes come when they want and will dig, so consider extending a wire apron under the ground around your fence to prevent that from happening. Cats usually don't mess with adult chickens and snakes mostly steal your eggs, and aren't usually a big problem.

Great, thanks for the advice!

 

[nekker57]

I am using 2x4 welded wire for my sides and top and reinforcing the bottom 2 foot of run with hardware cloth. And using a tarp for shade on half of the run.