Outdoor run question

[intownfarmer]

I am very new to chicken keeping (day 5) but I am so excited! I built a coop in my barn with access to the outside (well almost finished). I have a run setup outside. It is 8x16' and 48" high. I did not cover the run, but I see that most are. Should I? Will my dear girls "fly the coop" even if clipped with a 4' fence? Thanks for the great advice.

 

[jjamerb]

I know i had 4 chicks in a small run once and watched a hawk crash into my top cover. Was funny watching it bounce off.

 

[briteday]

My RIR hens can easily get over the 6' fence. So their runs have tops on them and they also have one wing clipped so they can free range in the pasture without visiting the neighbors.

 

[Davaroo]

2 reasons to cover the run:
- Keep yours birds in.
- Keep unwanted birds out.... more specifically hawks and other birds of prey.
(I include those freeloading wretches, the wild birds, too, but most only worry about hawks.)

Chickens have amazing "getting up" abilities, even with clipped wings.
Make sure nothing is near enough to the fence that they can hop on it, to the fence top and then over.

Protecting against hawks and other raptors is sefl explanatory.

 

[mac80103]

It depends a lot on where you live. Do you have predators? I have netting to protect the chickens from hawks, owls, raccoons, and coyotes. Hope that helps!