Non-enclosed run

[Taj_MaChicken]

Has anyone had luck using something like a pergola over their run?

Eventually our girls will free range, but right now we temporarily have a tarp over 2/3 of their run, still exposing them to threats. Most of the predators in our area would be nocturnal, or too large to fit through the chicken door (with the exception of snakes).

I have planted watermelon and pumpkin seeds around the run to allow them to grow over top and give them shade, but will just having the pergola be safe? I know it's now Ft Knox (trust me, we live close enough to feel our house shake from their drills lol)

We do have an occasional hawk, but not many in our area.

 

[cmom]

I have netting over my pens due to an owl killing some birds. Not long ago I lost my very special hen while free ranging during the middle of the day.