OK seriously whats the deal?

[hcammack]

I just think I lost my Leghorn to a fox! I knew that I was taking a risk leaving them out free ranging but my PVC runs would not have made a difference. gees I cannot get a break with these birds my good luck is over

I need help building a run for these birds and I cannot think of a good idea so here is the post where I show my current setup and ask about options. This hens personality sucked but she was a great layer I doubt she is off somewhere she has gone in the coop everyday for a year

I just lost two of my young birds to chills also earlier this week this is just terrible I pray I don't lose any more I only ever lost two birds to random dog attack before this now 3 in one week

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=123033

Thanks,
Henry

 

[onthespot]

Aw shucks! The fox never takes the dumb bird that always dumps over the feeder, picks tail feathers and lays one egg a week, NEVER! It's always the good ones.... so sorry for your loss.

 

[redhen]

i'm so sorry!

 

[hcammack]

Thanks she was not my favorite but was a great layer an egg a day for 10 months staight and then molting and she had just started to lay again

 

[justusnak]

First let me say, I am so sorry about your losses. As far as a moveable coop...Hmmm..that would be quite some feat for the size you are wanting. Maybe a large dog kennel..or a few hooked together??

 

[redhen]

is there any way to strengthen the run for them?....do you have any wire and wood around the house?

 

[gumpsgirl]

I'm so sorry you've been down on your luck this past week, Henry. I'll keep my fingers crossed that this coming week will be much better for you.

 

[Opa]

A very good deterent to four legged predators and free ranging chickens would be electric mesh poultry fencing.

 

[hcammack]

Thanks these are all great suggestions I think I need to head to Home Depot and Lowes some time this week and get supplies to make a new run or even get large dog kennels.

Opa I have been thinking about electric mesh but would my hens just fly over it I do not have very light breeds but I just wonder about them getting out.

Thanks,
Henry

 

[Opa]

The fencing I have look at is 4' and I don't think flying out would be an issue. I allow my birds to range in a 36x36 fence area and it is 52" and I've never had a bird fly out. If you were still concern you could clip wing feathers. There is a post here that shows how it can be done and you can't tell when the birds wing is folded. When I look at the price of wire fencing and posts and that it must be fixed the cost of the electric mesh fencing is comparable.