Cheapest way to cover run

[Nooby-bator]

Moved into a rental with pre-built chicken, run and coop. Run is about 10 x 10 m, but currently has no roof except for a 2 x 2 meter shade cloth. I have had eggs stolen with shells outside the run and wild ducks entering the run after I feed the chickens. I want to cover the runs ASAP and initially fairly cheaply. Problem is that there’s two very large trees that drop fairly branches occasionally. What would be a fairly cheap way to cover the run that should withstand the occasional branch being dropped on it. Would greenhouse mesh work? Located Australia so no raccoons

 

[Friendthechicken]

Are you near the coast? I have seen some old fishing nets work well. Or even just bird netting? If you secured it carefully along the edges it would probably do okay with a branch or two.

 

[Nooby-bator]

Are you near the coast? I have seen some old fishing nets work well. Or even just bird netting? If you secured it carefully along the edges it would probably do okay with a branch or two.

Inland about 40 minutes, but plenty of fishing supplies around. That’s a fantastic idea, thank you!

 

[PoppasGrill]

Not sure what is available where you are , though a fishing net is a great idea.
We used shade cloth on a run, came in 6’x15’ rolls and had hardware to attach 2 pieces together. It lets rain through and pulls tight enough to keep birds out.

Can see it off to the right. The only chickens in there are Cemani as we are trying to keep them separated from the rest to maintain the breed. They aren’t very common in our area.

 

[SamIamNam786]

Hardware cloth would work..get a high gauge one, like 20 or so. And pull it tightly on. Then you can cover with tarp.

 

[aart]

Hardware cloth would work..get a high gauge one, like 20 or so.

1/2" HC is generally 19ga.
1/4" HC is generally 23ga.
19ga is thicker wire than 23ga.