Aviary Netting - Installation Ideas

[Mr. Peepers]

I had 2" mesh aviary netting installed over my daylight run, which is fenced with 48" posts. Walking in the run was a chore, and the 25'x25' netting stretched more than the 25'x25' dimensions of the run. On a cruise through Home Depot, I found 3/4" diameter 10' sections of plastic conduit for only $1.05 each, and an idea hit me. I bought $10 worth of conduit and some cable ties and went to work. See the results in the photo. The conduit joins together just like light weight tent rods, and just like tent rods, can form a framework under the aviary netting. The cable ties are used to keep the framework from moving, and the center of the framework is hoisted to a suspension rope between two trees. It would stand without the center support, but this support adds stability in case of high wind. I can now walk easily everywhere in the day run, and the hens seem to enjoy the higher perch, which is just high enough so that my big, fat rooster can't get to it, but they can.

Although the aviary fence is electrified and dug down !8", it's still for day use only, the coop and covered run to the left in the photo are more heavily "armored" and seem to be predator proof day and night. As you might guess from the photo, we have raccoons, possum, fox, dogs, hawks, snakes and vermin to contend with in this location.

 

[elmo]

Nice idea!

 

[joletabey]

Impressive- I really like that!

 

[g_a_brand]

that great !

 

[Ldyjarhead]

Great idea! I've been wondering how I could use the 4ft fencing I have on hand and still be able to get in the run area. I'll have to study on this, see if it'll work in my area.

 

[kcravey]

good idea! My run is also booby-trapped with netting - its a chore locking everyone up at sunset and running under it and hitting it! I need to do something also and was looking at the pvc. Did you screw it in at the base frame or use rebar?

 

[Mr. Peepers]

Quote:
The butt ends of the plastic conduit are held into place by just sliding over deck screws angled into the corner fence posts. First, make sure the netting is secure around all edges, then, the secret to the whole setup is to use tie wraps to the netting to keep the conduit running straight from corner to corner of the run before you tension anything. Then when you put tension on the conduit it will bend upward until the net is tight. It's harder to describe than to do, and each run/net combo will probably take a little different configuration. Think of it like you'd think of setting up a lightweight tent and you'll get the idea.

 

[Eggie and Me]

Great Job! The whole set-up is great. It's great on the eye also. Love the colors!

 

[evonne]

oohh i like this idea too.. i was about to net in a 16x7 area for my pheasants... but the fencing is only 5' high.. i have to bend a little.. 5'3", but poor hubby is 6'.. and ifi give him an excuse not to have to go in to fix anything he'll take it.. lol.. so did you attach the netting to the conduit before you put the conduit up?? like sliding the tent poles through the holders before popping them into the corner pockets??

i don't have anything near by to tie the center string support too, but my space is quite a bit smaller.. if i have to jimmy rig something later i will.. but this was going ot be this weekends project.. thanx for giving me a plan..

 

[Mr. Peepers]

Quote:
I attached the netting to the top of the fence first, then bent a length of conduit under the netting to see what shape I'd get. The conduit wants to flex in every direction, so it's handy to have two people to do this. Once you get the proper length of conduit, attach it to the net with cable ties every 3 feet or so and the setup becomes very stable. If you don't have trees for a middle support, you could probably do without one, or else use a long post in the center.

You might also consider using larger or smaller diameter conduit depending on the size of your run. Larger diameter would be stiffer and probably easier to control for a bigger run. The price difference is almost inconsequential for 1/2", 3/4" or 1" conduit.