The Hawk Struck Again ...

[Boonie Stomper]

They will be confined unless supervised for their excursions.

My posts about the nature of the hen house were not in this thread and i never considered by definition that a run could include vast space inside of it. To me a run conjured up images of a plant-free muddy and poopy zone under chew proof wire netting.

 

[bruceha2000]

They will be confined unless supervised for their excursions.

My posts about the nature of the hen house were not in this thread and i never considered by definition that a run could include vast space inside of it. To me a run conjured up images of a plant-free muddy and poopy zone under chew proof wire netting.

I expect some runs do end up like that, depends on the size of the run and the number of hens.

No run. Coop abuts kitchen and opens to skinny side yard where I park rubbish bins etc. And my back door also enters that strip.

Could you run netting between the house and the fence since the yard is "skinny"?? Since you apparently need to worry mostly about daytime (when the hens aren't roosting in their secure coop) hawk attacks, it wouldn't have to be wire, just something that the hawks can't fly through.

You have mentioned hoping foxes would get the hawks. I don't think that happens often given foxes are ground hunters and the only times a hawk would be on the ground is when it hits prey or is dead.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Am considering netting from beyond front right corner of coop to fence at about 7 to 8 feet with extensions to the height of the wood fence. This could go the length of the house past the metal gate, greenhouse door, and back door, to an arch with short fencing at the rear corner of the house.

This would be high enough to not impede normal activity.
The cost is an issue tbough. I have nowhere near enough scavenged netting or wire mesh yet but have some old metal shelf post.

 

[bruceha2000]

It would be more work but you could string monofilament fishing line, it is pretty cheap.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

It would be more work but you could string monofilament fishing line, it is pretty cheap.

Please explain? I have LOTS of that!!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Bird netting is super cheap.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-...e-Bird-Block-Netting-Barrier-6010RV/302720133

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Bird netting is super cheap.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-...e-Bird-Block-Netting-Barrier-6010RV/302720133

Well I'll be! THANKS!!!
I had no idea at all ... Don't shop much.

 

[bruceha2000]

Please explain? I have LOTS of that!!!

You would need to sort of make your own netting by running parallel lines (probably the length of the space) and then add crossing pieces. I've not done it but I know that some restaurants with outdoor seating have kept gulls from dive bombing and stealing food with just parallel monofilament a few inches apart. That MIGHT work for you but make sure it is strung tight so the hawks bounce off rather than open a gap and blow through. You could try that with SOME cross pieces to help maintain spacing. Use heavy enough line that the hawks can see it easily. Better they see it as a barrier than hitting it hard, unseen.

The bird netting can work but pull it in the winter (when hopefully the hawks aren't hunting your chickens). The holes are fairly small, the material fairly thin and wet snow will load up and rip it down.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Thinking cap is on... but must digest all the input and variables.
Spray paint the netting or some interspersed CD 's or foil. ..?

 

[andreanar]

Is there any way you can hang netting above the area where they free range? It sounds like youre going to have to come up with a permanent protection plan. Edited to say that I see you are already working on this.