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#1 11/03/2009 2:00 pm
- Violet22
- Chillin' With My Peeps
- From: Central Coast, CA
- Registered: 07/03/2009
- Posts: 211
Plexiglass or........???
I have ducks, and their pen is constructed of many dog kennel panels. I have 3' of 1/4" hardware cloth around the bottom of the whole enclosure. My problem is I like to sit and watch them, but it's hard to see really well through the hardware cloth. Where I like to sit, I was thinking of replacing 6' of the hardware cloth with plexiglass so I could see them better. Good idea, bad idea, or is there something better to use?
Thank you!
Caroline
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#2 11/03/2009 2:21 pm
- patandchickens
- Flock Mistress
- From: Ontario, Canada
- Registered: 04/20/2007
- Posts: 9718
- View My BYC Page
Re: Plexiglass or........???
One option is to paint the hardwarecloth black. That will render it MUCH less visually obtrusive, and illogical though it sounds, your eye WILL be able to see your chickens (edit: er, I mean ducks 
) far more clearly that way. I suggest using a roller not a brush nor spraycan. It will flake off in time, but is easy enough to reapply. Some people recommend a brief acid rinse (vinegar or a stronger acid) to slightly etch the galvanized coating on your wire so the paint sticks better; I don't do this and don't necessarily recommend it, but am passing the idea on since some DO 
If you decide instead to replace a section with plexiglass, make sure it is backed up by something pretty strong (edited to revise post since now I realize you've got chainlink in place, which is plenty strong enough )
You might want to try black paint first, see how that works for you. If it doesn't, you haven't lost hardly anything; but if it DOES, it is certainly way less work and expense than plexiglass
Another option, depending on your local predator load and your personal philosophies about risk, would be to replace that section of hardwarecloth with 1/2" plastic garden netting. It will keep the ducks' heads on the right side of the fence. A determined raccoon would have no trouble ripping through it however and I would not rely on it if you require protection vs *that*.
Good luck, have fun,
Pat
Last edited by patandchickens (11/03/2009 2:24 pm)
my Big Ol' Ventilation Page is at http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION
and Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs): http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run
and Cold Coop (winter design) page: http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/vie … mperatures
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#3 11/03/2009 2:31 pm
- ducks4you
- Chicken Obsessed
- From: East Central Illinois
- Registered: 01/20/2009
- Posts: 1358
- View My BYC Page
Re: Plexiglass or........???
I agree regarding the cost of plexiglass. My old house has like...50 year old storm windows, and some have cracked and broken over the decade that we've lived there. I have been replacing them with plexiglass for safety--they don't shatter and I won't slice my arm or hands open, BUT, the hardware store charges $10 more for plexiglass than glass replacement. Still, at $25.00/window it's cheaper than replacing all of the storm windows, at least for now. 
Matt 6:26. Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly father feeds them. And are you not worth much more than they?
I'm with YOU, eaganchickens - N O N A I S!!!
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#4 11/03/2009 2:51 pm
- Violet22
- Chillin' With My Peeps
- From: Central Coast, CA
- Registered: 07/03/2009
- Posts: 211
Re: Plexiglass or........???
Interesting about painting the hardware cloth black! That is definitely a cheaper way to go than plexiglass, I am going to have to try it just for curiosity sakes! The plexiglass is expensive, but worth the price as far as being able to see my ducks and have them entertain me.........that's why I got them!
With all the predators I have, I wouldn't trust plastic netting. I had actually thought of that, but I need to be able to sleep at night!
Thanks for all the ideas........it was this or getting stadium seating to get me above the hardware cloth........which besides cost, isn't very comfy!
Caroline
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