Bird netting

[Arbutus Peregrine]

Here is my netting, such as it is. I wouldn't expect it to withstand a heavy snow load, but our winters are mild compared to what I am used to in other areas that I have lived.

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Thanks so much for all the photos! You did a beautiful job! I have a wooden fence in my backyard and once in awhile, raccoons use it as a highway or resting spot. When I think about attaching bird netting to it, I wonder if the raccoons wouldn't just easily tear it apart? So far I've never seen raccoons jump down into my yard, but now with the chickens, I've been thinking it's only a matter of time!

 

[Matilda Belle]

I use bird netting in the run, but watch it closely when it snows so the snow doesn't accumulate. I had the entire run collapse one time and hope to never have that happen again.

 

[TwoShepherds]

I’m fairly certain the netting is not secure against raccoons. Mine are in the coop at night. I put up the netting to deter hawks and to keep the chickens in the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

When I think about attaching bird netting to it, I wonder if the raccoons wouldn't just easily tear it apart? So far I've never seen raccoons jump down into my yard, but now with the chickens, I've been thinking it's only a matter of time!

If coons are a possible issue, I wouldn't trust netting to keep them out - even if they can't break the netting they can probably tug at it enough to find a seam to get in through. My netting is there for hawks and eagles, the chickens are locked in the coop at night and past sunrise. We definitely have coons passing through and I've seen evidence of them trying to break into the run in the early AM.

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

If coons are a possible issue, I wouldn't trust netting to keep them out - even if they can't break the netting they can probably tug at it enough to find a seam to get in through. My netting is there for hawks and eagles, the chickens are locked in the coop at night and past sunrise. We definitely have coons passing through and I've seen evidence of them trying to break into the run in the early AM.

Thanks! I think I might be over-worrying because I would lock the chickens in their coop at night. Sometimes here in Portland raccoons attack chickens during the day (ugh) so I would have to only let them “free range” under the netting when I was home. They have a predator-proof enclosed run with roof —8’x16’— I just want to give them more! But the netting would be a HUGE help with hawks!!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

I've got a new wonder...! What about song birds and hummingbirds? Can they set through the netting? So many things to consider!! I don't want to keep them out!! And now I'm worried that birds will get stuck and injured in the netting!

 

[rosemarythyme]

What about song birds and hummingbirds? Can they set through the netting? So many things to consider!! I don't want to keep them out!! And now I'm worried that birds will get stuck and injured in the netting!

Assuming you're using netting with 2" openings and it's attached so that the openings are fully stretched open, small wild birds and hummers can get through. I have a big willow tree that grows over my run and we always have hummers buzzing around up there, and even if one gets "stuck" behind the netting I always see them finding their way out. I also have some nuthatches that follow me to the run in the morning and I can see them darting in and out of the run while waiting for me to refill their bird feeder.

 

[Sueby]

I have a temporary run up with bird netting over the top. You can see the post in the middle that supports it. I put it up just for the summer figuring the first snow would take it down, but I'll be darned if it hasn't survived heavy, wet snow & an ice storm so far!

The fence posts have gone in for the permanent (much larger) run & I'm thinking we will make a couple more of those supports since it's worked well so far along with some type of paracord support.

 

[BackyardJulz]

I use the plastic netting sold at TSC with ~1” openings, comes in 7’ width, 50’ roll, fairly priced. Easy to work with, staples, zip ties, even have woven wire between sheets to make a wider piece. It has held up well under snow load, but sturdy supports are critical.

The raccoons however, can tear through it where it is attached to the eves of the coop. I haven’t lost any to the hawks since they’ve had netting overhead, and am thankful for that.

I’ve just had to learn to be smarter and more persistent in making security improvements, and managing the attractants, which is often the feed as much as the chickens themselves. No feed left outside at night, hens locked in with a varmint proof door, motion lights, traps and *sigh* frequent structural upgrades (always seems to happen right before bad weather or a vacation).

Good luck with your project!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

I use the plastic netting sold at TSC with ~1” openings, comes in 7’ width, 50’ roll, fairly priced. Easy to work with, staples, zip ties, even have woven wire between sheets to make a wider piece. It has held up well under snow load, but sturdy supports are critical.

The raccoons however, can tear through it where it is attached to the eves of the coop. I haven’t lost any to the hawks since they’ve had netting overhead, and am thankful for that.

I’ve just had to learn to be smarter and more persistent in making security improvements, and managing the attractants, which is often the feed as much as the chickens themselves. No feed left outside at night, hens locked in with a varmint proof door, motion lights, traps and *sigh* frequent structural upgrades (always seems to happen right before bad weather or a vacation).

Good luck with your project!

THanks so much! Sounds like you have a great system!!