Tree climbing predator questions

[GeneGoddess]

Our run has two cedar trees along one side (the trunks are used as “posts” for the wire sides). I’m planning on using polyfilament netting as a cover as well as electric fencing surrounding the run (6”, 18”, and along the top perimeter) and a buried wire apron. There are no branches inside the coop as the trees are quite tall. The electric fence wire will go around the outside of the tree trunk “posts”. This should deter most predators, I hope. But as I’m a bit paranoid...

There are other cedar trees near the “post” trees. The very tips of their branches just barely touch. Is it possible that a tree climber (like a raccoon or possum) could jump from one tree to the other (like a squirrel does) and access my run that way? The branches are so thin I think even a squirrel would bend then, but I’m trying to think like a hungry predator. Any thoughts?

 

[kwhites634]

Our run has two cedar trees along one side (the trunks are used as “posts” for the wire sides). I’m planning on using polyfilament netting as a cover as well as electric fencing surrounding the run (6”, 18”, and along the top perimeter) and a buried wire apron. There are no branches inside the coop as the trees are quite tall. The electric fence wire will go around the outside of the tree trunk “posts”. This should deter most predators, I hope. But as I’m a bit paranoid...

There are other cedar trees near the “post” trees. The very tips of their branches just barely touch. Is it possible that a tree climber (like a raccoon or possum) could jump from one tree to the other (like a squirrel does) and access my run that way? The branches are so thin I think even a squirrel would bend then, but I’m trying to think like a hungry predator. Any thoughts?

I'm not sure, but I'm inclined to think the netting will stop something like 'coon or 'possum because of the unstable footing.

 

[GeneGoddess]

To clarify, the netting covers the top of the run. Walls of the run are wire.

 

[Below frigid]

Racoon's are good climbers but would doubt they could jump from tree to tree like a squirrel. Especially on flimsy branches. He would need a solid branch to push off of. I use the deer fence poly for the top of my run with chicks and broodies. Locked up tight in kennels at night.

 

[llombardo]

I believe they can jump 4 ft. I read that somewhere because I had to cut some over hanging branches down.i have about 4 ft from the trees and my fence. I'm still going through and cutting down anything that can be used to access the yard. I know they climb the trees because they were in the trees a couple weeks ago.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Our run has two cedar trees along one side (the trunks are used as “posts” for the wire... )
There are other cedar trees near the “post” trees. The very tips of their branches just barely touch. Is it possible that a tree climber (like a raccoon or possum) could jump from one tree to the other...

Thinking like your adversary is always the beginning of wisdom. You had better add minks, other members of the weasel family to your list of possible predators as well as the often overlooked Gray Fox who can climb trees like gang busters.

 

[llombardo]

Thinking like your adversary is always the beginning of wisdom. You had better add minks, other members of the weasel family to your list of possible predators as well as the often overlooked Gray Fox who can climb trees like gang busters.

That is so true. I'm building the enclosure and I stop look at it, look at the surrounding area. I can't tell you how many changes I have made and the whole time I m cursing under my breath...

 

[GeneGoddess]

I’m debating running some hot wire around the trunks of the nearby trees about 6-8’ high (along with a ground wire) in an attempt to keep predators from moving tree to tree. My spouse thinks I’m nuts and going overboard...