Predator proofing actually made my flock more anxious

I added hardware cloth and an electric fence around the run back in April. Before that, the hens free ranged and seemed calm, always scratching around. Now they spook at every shadow and the rooster won't stop pacing the fence line. The setup is safe, but I wonder if they feel trapped instead of protected. Anyone else see their birds get more stressed after upgrading security?

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martin.jamie1mo ago

Read somewhere that birds that free range for years have a harder time adjusting to confinement because their instincts are telling them to patrol a bigger area. The pacing rooster sounds like he's trying to do his job but the fence is stopping him. Maybe give them a few more weeks before judging, but also consider adding some visual barriers or hiding spots inside the run so they don't feel exposed all the time. Sometimes making the space feel smaller and more sheltered actually calms them down more than wide open wire.

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