I'm building a new coop, and planning the run to be fenced around some fruit trees, about 45' x 60'. The fruit trees don't really produce much fruit, but I thought the shade they will give will be appreciated by the chickens.
Two predators I know are in the area include Raccoons and Red Tail Hawks.
I know the area has Red Tail Hawks, but I want to know if they are a real threat for Eugene/Western Oregon.
I plan on building the coop up about 15" off the ground so the hens can run under for protection and have more shade, and having a 6' high welded wire fence around the perimeter (with at least 6" dug down into the ground, to prevent raccoons and such from pushing their way in). I also plan on running a length of barbed wire about 15" off the ground around the perimeter using brackets of some sort so if the raccoons try to climb up, they will meet with some resistance. I'm also planning on rigging up an automatic door opener and closer (I love the idea using the drapery motor), so the chickens will be protected at night.
My father, who lives up by Portland, has had chickens for decades, and never had Hawk troubles, and also has his run in amongst his fruit trees (with no topper).
Any help will be much appreciated!
Two predators I know are in the area include Raccoons and Red Tail Hawks.
I know the area has Red Tail Hawks, but I want to know if they are a real threat for Eugene/Western Oregon.
I plan on building the coop up about 15" off the ground so the hens can run under for protection and have more shade, and having a 6' high welded wire fence around the perimeter (with at least 6" dug down into the ground, to prevent raccoons and such from pushing their way in). I also plan on running a length of barbed wire about 15" off the ground around the perimeter using brackets of some sort so if the raccoons try to climb up, they will meet with some resistance. I'm also planning on rigging up an automatic door opener and closer (I love the idea using the drapery motor), so the chickens will be protected at night.
My father, who lives up by Portland, has had chickens for decades, and never had Hawk troubles, and also has his run in amongst his fruit trees (with no topper).
Any help will be much appreciated!
