To prevent problems with hawks and owls, cover your outside runs with mesh wire or netting. A good ground cover of millet, broomcorn, sorghum or other tall leafy vegetation also provides cover for the birds to hide under. Many times a 3-4 ft. grid over the pen constructed of boiling twine will give excellent protection from flying predators. To protect the birds from theft, lock your building and pens securely whenever you are not home. Have your neighbors watch for visitors while you are away.
Some people actually have burglar alarms in their bird coops.
A protective dog kept near your coop usually works well to discourage predators and unwanted visitors. Build your poultry house to prevent possible injury to your birds. Remove any loose or ragged wire, nails, or other sharp-edged objects from the coop. Eliminate all areas other than perches where the birds could perch more than 4 feet above the floor. Remove perching areas such as window sills, nest box tops, or electric cords whenever possible.