I just wonder how tight it stays without vertical supports in the run. Every photo I have seen of larger runs show quite a bit of sagging. It is hard to say if it started out tight or if it was installed that way but I think it would bother me over time.

I also see several references to a raccoon's ability to shred the netting. Chicken wire is frequently mentioned as an alternative.

Our current pens are chain link and I had several extra panels made up for the top. Unfortunately, this is not a viable solution for the planned TX coop as it severely limits the width of the run.

But don't you only need that topper for daytime protection from hawks? Chickens would be in the coop safe at night from racoons.

Good point. I have seen raccoon in the early morning, though - one stole both of my husband's Koi that lived on the 2nd story balcony on 2 different occasions (3 days apart). Although I don't know what time the first one was stolen, I do know the second one was stolen close to 8 in the morning. I had already fed the koi for the day and it was fine then. An hour later , there were scales,water and paw prints all over the place and the decapitated remains were in the back. The raccoon also defecated on the roof (talk about adding insult!) Maybe this guy was unusual

It would be a bit labor-intensive to put a top screen on and off each day. Often folks will have a smaller totally enclosed run for the chickens, and then let them out into more open yards during the day. I initially planned for something along these lines, but have not yet implemented it. And, so far, I have not had any predator problems, but fall/winter is just around the corner and that may change things up. I don't always lock them up into their coop at night.

Oh Deb, you had better start getting them into that coop at night. Too many hungry predators around to risk your birds getting eaten!

It is gut-wrenching to go feed the hens in the morning and finding all but one decapitated. Don't ask me how I know

I lock them in at night more often than not, although I worry more about the eagles and hawks during the day. But, my rooster is a very good watchdog and gathers his ladies under the coop when a big bird flies over the yard. It's rather interesting to watch, I'm not totally sure how chickens actually communicate with one another. I assume a combination of vocalization and body language.

We don't let our chickens out at first light. It's more like 9am that we let them out. By that point all predators have gone to bed for the day.

By the way, tonight's podcast will be all about this chicken yard concept. We ended up talking about it for 30 minutes.

Oh I really have to listen to this podcast for sure.

We've lost more chickens to hawks this year than we ever have before. At lease one, if not both roosters were taken by the hawk, plus 10 or more hens. It's been a problem...I think you just don't want to remember it

The netting that Old Gardener linked to is what I had in mind. Although moving the yard from it's current location (practically right under the tree line) will help quite a bit.

I hope.

We had to have covering over the top of our chicken yard. The hawks in the daytime and the cougar at night. the night time wasn't really a problem though, we just closed the doors every evening.

We did run a stand of hot wire at the top of our 4 foot stock fence, to keep coyotes and dogs out. We never had a problem. But our neighbors sure did. Lost lots of sheep and other small stock to marauding dogs and coyotes.

valleylynn said: We never had a problem. But our neighbors sure did. Lost lots of sheep and other small stock to marauding dogs and coyotes.

Did your neighbor use the a strand of hot wire, too?

The neighbors didn't have hot wire.
But we also had two amazing Border Collies that patrolled the premises. They also kept out the humans that were killing small stock in the pens, leaving only the hide and guts for the owners to find in the morning.
We were the only ones that did not lose stock to either animals or humans.

Sometimes all it takes is to have better livestock security that your neighbor.

valleylynn said: humans that were killing small stock in the pens, leaving only the hide and guts for the owners to find in the morning.

That is terrible. What is wrong with people?

I am surprised that they would remain in the pen to wreak their havoc. You would think that they would take the animal elsewhere. It makes me think that they were very dangerous (as well as very twisted and sick) people indeed if they were not concerned with getting caught.

Did they ever discover who was responsible?

Migrant workers. We caught one because of the dogs. First and last time they tried our place. Loved those two dogs. And the great fences Cliff put up.

I am glad you caught him. That is really a disturbing story.

Great chicken podcast, Dave

Thank you