Trees next to run? I want to tell my husband he is wrong

[21hens-incharge]

My tree guys said "a fruit tree that is a good shade tree is not pruned to be a good fruit tree".

I see hawks in my small peach tree even with much taller trees available.

 

[CHlCKEN]

Yes. Well, maybe. Hawks will perch anywhere near their food, and those trees are included in that “anywhere”. I had hawks perching on even my fence which was only a few feet tall.

 

[K0k0shka]

If you're afraid of hawks, cover your run. And plant whatever you like. Problem solved.

 

[aart]

If you're afraid of hawks, cover your run. And plant whatever you like. Problem solved.

This^^^

Except planting anything to grow on run (like vines) can destroy the structure after some time.

 

[doublecrossranch]

My run is already covered with mesh wire and cattle panels. I only free range when I can right there with them. I was hoping a tree close by would let me work in my garden near by and not have to watch as much. The hawks, eagles, and vultures have tried to take chickens with me right there. The chickens know when I start screaming to run. Lol

 

[aart]

I was hoping a tree close by would let me work in my garden near by and not have to watch as much.

Doubtful.
BOP are sneaky and resourceful.
Planting bushes might offer some cover for the chickens.

 

[Byrd gal]

I would plant bushes. I have a lot of roses. I am thinking after I get the run covered I am going to make huts to set around the yard to give them a place to duck in.

 

[Burdi]

Fruit trees and chickens are like peanut butter and jelly. If the trees are not already established it will take a couple of years for them to provide shade or coverage from predators. Newly planted trees will need protection from the chickens the first couple of years, mainly the ground within a foot or two of the trunk. After that it is win win. Birds get shade, cover from hawks, and fallen fruit to eat. If you have protective roosters they may partially keep squirrels at bay. The trees get fertilizer.

 

[kerbotx]

For shade, I grow loofah vines on the wire of the run - they do like lots of water, but are easy to care for otherwise. I had 4 vines last year, but I'm only planting 2 this year. Along the outside of the run, I have rose bushes, mint, salvia, and 2 volunteer willow trees. There once was a rosemary bush they liked to get under, too. But remember - anything planted must be protected with wire cages/fencing until it gets established, and sometimes the roots always need protection.

 

[CluckerFamily]

My coop is under a basswood tree. It is great for shade in the summer.
The eagles and hawks tend to perch in my huge oak tree out of all my trees.