Predators Climbing Trees?

[paullad]

We've got an electric fence around our chicken run and their coop but there are trees within a few feet of the fence. I'm assuming that predators could easily climb one of the trees and jump over the fence. Should I be concerned about this? Thanks.

 

[JedJackson]

I would be concerned. Raccoons, possums, and many others can use the trees to get into the enclosure. Hawks won't even need the trees.

 

[Penpal]

It depends on how skinny of a branch the predator can get onto without falling and how close it can get to the enclosure. My chickens are now resting in the shade of the forest behind my property, but there are no branches that would allow anybody to jump in. I have fox, opossums, and raccoons, none of them get in from the top. You can trim the offending trees to eliminate the problem. If they are your neighbor's trees, just ask permission first.

 

[vall]

How low are the branches? Raccoons don't really enjoy dropping 10 feet out of a tree, but I had a standoff with one who did it.

 

[McChooky]

I've considered cutting all the low branches off our Hemlocks to see if it helps.