We have just about finished our coop and are getting ready for the run. It will be large, and currently there are some trees within the area. More trees could be removed (some small ones will be, but I'm hoping to leave some of the larger ones.) I've seen some beautiful examples and great ideas for runs which of course has only led me to more questions...
My initial thought was to cover the run - even though it will be pretty big - to control hawks, etc... However, I also saw the photos of the cd disks stretched across the top instead of a netting, and want to know if that is really successful in discouraging prey birds. (I had also thought of running wire in a zig-zag pattern across the top of the run; I do this with fishing line across my koi pond and it prevents ospreys from snagging the koi.) I'm fine with mounting mirrors on the roof of the coop as well.
IF I end up covering it completely: I've seen runs from 3' tall up to 6' or so. How often will the run need attention such as cleaning, etc? I don't mind bending over somewhat but sure don't want to have to crawl on my hands and knees! LOL!
Our coop is slightly raised due to the grade of the land, and we had been planning on putting plastic down (moisture prevention) on the soil, securing it with sod pins, then putting up lattice or something to prevent the chickens from getting under the coop. Am I wiser to leave it open and allow them to get up under the coop for shade or security?
Since the inside of our coop will be separated into two different "rooms" (I'm thinking eggies on one side, meaties on the other?), I'm assuming the run should also be divided, correct?
I'll probably think of more questions, but these will get me moving. Many thanks!
My initial thought was to cover the run - even though it will be pretty big - to control hawks, etc... However, I also saw the photos of the cd disks stretched across the top instead of a netting, and want to know if that is really successful in discouraging prey birds. (I had also thought of running wire in a zig-zag pattern across the top of the run; I do this with fishing line across my koi pond and it prevents ospreys from snagging the koi.) I'm fine with mounting mirrors on the roof of the coop as well.
IF I end up covering it completely: I've seen runs from 3' tall up to 6' or so. How often will the run need attention such as cleaning, etc? I don't mind bending over somewhat but sure don't want to have to crawl on my hands and knees! LOL!
Our coop is slightly raised due to the grade of the land, and we had been planning on putting plastic down (moisture prevention) on the soil, securing it with sod pins, then putting up lattice or something to prevent the chickens from getting under the coop. Am I wiser to leave it open and allow them to get up under the coop for shade or security?
Since the inside of our coop will be separated into two different "rooms" (I'm thinking eggies on one side, meaties on the other?), I'm assuming the run should also be divided, correct?
I'll probably think of more questions, but these will get me moving. Many thanks!
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