Changed my mind about letting hens free range in the yard after losing one to a hawk last fall

I used to think my run was big enough and that letting them out for a few hours each afternoon was fine. Then last October a Cooper's hawk got one of my Silver Laced Wyandottes right in the open while I was hanging laundry. Now I built a covered run using 2x4 welded wire and some old PVC hoops with bird netting over the top. The girls still get dirt baths and bugs but they're safe, and honestly they seem just as happy. Has anyone else here done a covered run and noticed their birds still scratching around normally?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant_ross2716d ago

Covered runs are the way to go for sure. I did the same thing after losing a buff Orpington to a red tail. Used some old cattle panels bent into hoops and covered with hardware cloth, left a few gaps at ground level for airflow. My birds still dig for bugs and take dust baths under there, they just don't get spooked as much anymore. One thing I'd add is double check your corners where netting meets the ground, raccoons will dig under if given a chance. Also throw some dried mealworms or scratch grains around the run floor every few days, keeps them busy scratching and stops them from getting bored with the same spot.

angela19116d ago

Don't you think adding a small scratching pit with sand and diatomaceous earth would help with pests too?