setting up their run

[camrayj]

Hi all! We have our coop just about ready but haven't built a run yet. Do you all cover your run with something so other birds can't fly in or do you keep it open on the top?
I know we have to bury the fencing to keep out predators. Is a foot deep enough?
Anything else we need to know about building their run?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Build as large and secure as you can! My run is on an old concrete foundation, so dig-proof. The top is covered in chicken wire, sides are woven wire fencing and chicken wire. It is secure from hawks and casual daytime predators, but not safe from a determined large dog or raccoon. The birds are locked in a solid coop at night. If you can build better, DO IT! Use hardware cloth, well secured, all around, and woven wire also on the lower three or four feet.. My run is overdue for a major upgrade, hopefully this spring. Mary