Solitary chicken - need advice

[chick]

Hi all

 

I am building a walk in run for my intended new additions and I would like some advice if posible. The area I have put aside is about 8' square, two sides are a brick wall about 6'6 tall and the other two sides will be mesh on framework about 6' tall. I am wondering if I need to put a mesh 'roof' on to stop creatures (foxes & cats) jumping in and to stop my new chooks jumping out. I figured that most foxes can't jump 6'6 on to a wall so I initially thought it would be fine as I didn't figure cats would be a huge problem. But I just read a post from a lady who lost all three of her girls to a cat.

 

Also, not having kept chickens before, I am only going on what I have read about how high a chicken can actually launch itself & I figured 6' would be no mean feat!

 

Please could someone give me a word of advice on this one.

 

Thanks

[Redwing]

I would cover the top with weldmesh personally although some people use chicken wire or plastic netting over the top these are good for stopping the chickens getting out but are no problem for a predator getting in

 

Another option is to go for a solid roof like corrugated plastic

 

Take a look at the epic walk in runs thread in the Eglu, Cube and Run section for design tips

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I would recommend a roof, not just to stop escaping chickens and incoming predators but also to keep your run dry. It will stay clean and fresh much longer if you keep the elements out .

 

I have the same weldmesh as on the panels with corrugated plastic laid at an angle so water runs off into the guttering. I had a full waterbutt after only one week .

[Janty]

If you are building a walk in run then I would recommend having a covered roof. That way it keeps the run dry but you are also covered in case there are further outbreaks of bird flu.

[The Dogmother]

I'd recommend a covered run too, that way they can keep dry if the weather is bad. Wet litter in the run is a prime breeding ground for bacteria and infections.