Bird netting over the run?

[plwebb]

The man who built our chicken house had a budget and he bought 5 ft high chain link fencing for the run. I'm sure that 5 ft is not going to keep the chickens in, especially if they get spooked.
We were thinking of getting bird netting to go over the top to keep the chickens in. Is there any reasons why bird netting would not be a good idea?

Thanks

Pat

 

[Jay262]

Im not sure exactly what bird netting is but i assume it would be ok aslong as its a small mesh. Make sure mesh wouldnt be big enough for them to get heads in it and make sure its tight across the top. I use netting on the top of all my coops but if it doesnt have small mesh and tight birds can get tangled in it and die. This is not a experince you want to have happen trust me.

 

[plwebb]

It's a 3/4 inch mesh.

Thanks for your reply

 

[Jay262]

You should be ok just keep it as tight as possible on the top you dont want it sagging. If its tight they cant tangle in it.

 

[Stephanie739]

I am using bird netting from Lowes to cover an area temporarily being used as a run. I will probably use it again in the future for a more permanent enclosure too.

 

[Stephanie739]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_120014-2313...rd+netting&N=0&langId=-1&storeId=10151&rpp=24 This is what I bought. I doubt it will keep out any predator set on getting in, but it does keep the chickens from getting out. I also use the netting from a trampoline over another run, much stronger.

 

[muddyhorse]

you can get bird net at home depo. a 15' x 45' roll is $20 . it is well worth the investment. I use zip ties to secure it. hang something shiny ( old cds ) from the underside so the hawks can see it.

 

[00BlasterResto]

If it is only keeping them in that you are worried about 5 ft. will do it. I use 4ft plastic fenceing and I don't have any trouble atall, I just clip the wings in the spring.
I think a covered area is needed so they have cover from hawks etc. as far as keeping them pinned though 5ft is good.

 

[stoopid]

The only problems I have had with the netting is leaves building up, they don't fall thru, and if the squirrels somehow get in, they will chew through it. It doesn't last long, but it is cheap enough until you find something better.
And

 

[sgtmom52]

I use heavy duty Aviary netting on 2 of my runs to keep the chickens in and the hawks out. It will not keep out any predators that chew. The netting i got has 1" holes and a high break strength & holds up well when it snows ~ although I always make sure to knock off the snow frequently. You also have to make sure to blow off leaves in the fall as hey get very heavy when they get wet. I bought mine online at Cutler Supply

This is the netting on one of my runs during an ice storm.