6 Best Chicken Run Covers For Predator Protection That Old Farmers Swear By
Protect your flock with time-tested wisdom. We cover 6 farmer-approved run covers, from heavy-duty netting to hardware cloth, for total predator defense.
There’s no worse feeling than walking out to the coop at dawn to find a pile of feathers and a missing bird. A sturdy coop is only half the battle; the run is where your flock spends its days, vulnerable and exposed. The right run cover isn’t just an accessory—it’s the difference between a thriving flock and a tragic lesson in predator dynamics.
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Securing Your Flock: Why Run Covers Matter
A fence only protects from two directions: left and right. Predators, however, work in three dimensions. Hawks, owls, and eagles come from above, while raccoons, weasels, and even neighborhood cats are expert climbers who see a fence as a ladder, not a barrier.
A secure run cover closes this glaring security gap. It turns a simple pen into a protected enclosure. But it’s not just about predators. The right cover can also provide critical shade in the summer, block driving rain, and even keep snow from burying your flock’s favorite dusting spots. It’s about creating a safe, low-stress environment where your chickens can thrive.
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth for Total Security
When you need absolute, no-questions-asked security against small and determined predators, hardware cloth is the answer. This isn’t the flimsy chicken wire many people imagine; it’s a rigid, welded steel mesh with tiny, typically 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch, openings. A raccoon can’t get its paws through it, a weasel can’t squeeze its body through, and a snake will be stopped cold.
The tradeoff is cost and effort. Hardware cloth is expensive, heavy, and a real pain to cut and install, especially over a large area. But for smaller runs, or for securing the bottom few feet of a larger enclosure, it’s unbeatable. Think of it as the Fort Knox of chicken run materials—if you have high predator pressure from clever animals like raccoons, this is the investment that brings peace of mind.
Yardgard Welded Wire Fencing for Durability
For a more practical and budget-friendly solution on larger runs, welded wire fencing is the workhorse. The common 2×4-inch mesh is strong enough to stop dogs, coyotes, and foxes from ripping through it. It’s far more rigid and durable than twisted chicken wire, holding its shape for years under tension and weathering the elements without sagging.
The compromise here is the size of the mesh. While it stops larger threats, a determined raccoon can still reach a paw through, and a small weasel or snake can slip right in. It’s a balanced choice for those whose primary threats are canine. Many old-timers use this for the main cover and then run a 2-foot perimeter of smaller hardware cloth around the base to stop the smaller, more dexterous threats.
Tuftex PolyCarb Panels for All-Weather Safety
If you’re fighting predators and harsh weather at the same time, corrugated polycarbonate panels are a game-changer. These rigid, often translucent panels create a solid roof over your run. Nothing is getting through from above, period. They offer the added benefits of keeping the run dry in the rain and snow-free in the winter, which drastically reduces mud and improves flock health.
The main consideration is ventilation. A fully solid roof can trap ammonia and heat, so you must ensure your run has excellent airflow from the sides. They also require a sturdier frame to support their weight and handle wind or snow loads. While the initial cost is higher, the dual-purpose benefit of total predator security and all-weather protection makes them a smart long-term investment.
Tenax Heavy Duty Aviary Netting for Hawks
Sometimes, your only real threat is from the sky. If you have a secure perimeter fence and aren’t worried about climbing predators, heavy-duty aviary netting is an excellent, lightweight solution. This isn’t a flimsy garden net; it’s a thick, UV-stabilized poly mesh designed to stop a diving hawk or owl in its tracks.
The beauty of aviary netting is its ease of installation over very large or irregularly shaped runs. You can stretch it over a wide area with minimal support posts. However, it’s crucial to understand its limitation: it offers zero protection against a climbing raccoon or a chewing predator. It’s a specialized tool for a specific job, and it does that job exceptionally well.
Coolaroo Shade Cloth for Sun and Sky Predators
Protect your plants and outdoor spaces with this durable 55% shade cloth. Made from high-density polyethylene, it provides essential sun protection while allowing airflow and easy installation with included grommets.
In hot climates, sun protection is as critical as predator protection. A high-quality, knitted shade cloth serves both purposes. It dramatically lowers the temperature in the run, giving your birds a comfortable place to escape the brutal afternoon sun. This simple act can prevent heat stress and increase egg production.
From a predator standpoint, shade cloth works as a visual barrier. A circling hawk can’t easily spot your chickens, and the lack of a clear target is often enough to make it move on. It is not a physical barrier, however. A determined predator could tear through it, so it’s best used in areas with lower predator pressure or in combination with a more secure fencing solution.
YARDLINK Chain Link Fabric for a Permanent Fort
If you’re building a run you want to last a lifetime, chain link is the way to go. It is the definition of a permanent, heavy-duty solution. It will stand up to anything short of a bear, won’t be chewed through, and will withstand decades of sun, snow, and ice without failing. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it option.
The downsides are significant: cost and labor. Chain link is one of the most expensive materials and requires serious effort to install correctly, often involving setting posts in concrete. The standard mesh size can also be a vulnerability to smaller predators. But if you are establishing a permanent homestead and want a run that will outlast your flock, and possibly even you, chain link is the undisputed king of durability.
Choosing the Right Cover for Your Climate & Flock
There is no single "best" cover; the right choice depends entirely on your specific situation. The key is to honestly assess your primary threats and environmental challenges. Don’t just plan for the predators you have now, but for the ones that might show up later.
Start by asking yourself three questions:
- Who are my enemies? Are you fighting hawks from the sky, raccoons at night, or neighborhood dogs during the day? Your answer dictates whether you need netting, hardware cloth, or heavy-duty wire.
- What is my weather? Do you face blistering sun, heavy snow loads, or constant rain? This will point you toward shade cloth, poly panels, or materials that shed debris easily.
- What is my budget and build capacity? Be realistic about what you can afford and install. A perfectly designed but half-finished run offers no protection at all.
Often, the best solution is a combination. Use tough welded wire for the main structure, add a hardware cloth skirt around the bottom, and throw a shade cloth over the top in the summer. A layered, thoughtful defense is always more effective than a single, one-size-fits-all approach.
Ultimately, securing your run is an investment in your flock’s safety and your own peace of mind. The best material is the one that’s installed correctly and addresses your most pressing threats. Build it right once, and you can rest easy knowing your birds are safe.
