Covering Run

[mstricer]

What do you use to cover your run? I have deer netting on it now, and a hawk still found a breach in it. (probably just got lucky) Well, we all know that once it finds it, it knows how to get in and out. Two baby Marans got taken yesterday. So I'm looking for as many suggestions as possible. My run is 50 x 50 and attached to the coop on two sides. High side of coop is 8 1/2 ft backside is 6 1/2 ft high. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Michele

 

[azygous]

I used corrugated fiberglass panels. But my run isn't as large as yours. You can still do it, but it'll require someone with structural experience to give you advice how to build the roof supports. I used the transparent panels and it lets in plenty of light while keeping out predators, rain and snow.

 

[GoldDogsMom]

My run is only 10x16 and I used corrugated metal roofing panels to keep out some of the rain/snow:

With a run your size that would be costly...if you are focused on keeping the predators out, I would cover it with 1/2 inch hardware cloth.

 

[mstricer]

I was just on Meyer web page and they have, Heavy Wt. Toprite II Netting 2" (50' x 50') (75/225 lbs per mesh), has anyone used this? We are pretty sure we can put it over the coop and run covering all with it. It would be cheaper and easier then putting a roof on.
Michele

 

[weeders n feeders]

We use a hodge podge of shade cloth, chicken wire both metal and plastic,bird netting, plastic and wire hardware cloth, and something similar to the orange construction type fence. Kinda what ever was on hand or could be found free and cheap. All supported with bamboo poles and tied tightly with little coper wires from a tossed out spool of 8 conductor wire. The coop is tight and that's when our major predictors come and they free range the majority of the day So the run is mainly for the times a hawk will determinedly hang around for a while or to keep the chickens contained if necessary. Mine like flying high and it was easier to put a top on it than to take it up high enough. For mine 12-15 feet is a piece of cake.

 

[carolinasculpture]

Hi! We also have a 50x50 run and lots of hawks! We covered ours with 50x50 poultry netting from ebay. However, we found that the 50x50 netting is not really a square that is 50x50. It is more of a hammock shape and we needed 2 to cover the run and some fancy stitching to get the whole thing done. That said, I am VERY glad we did it and we have had no causalities. We covered the run by having a tall pole in the middle-ish and then tall ploes at each corner and then in between each corner. I strung wire kinda umbrella style from the center to all the poles and then around the perimeter. Then boosted the net up over the support wire, tied it together as needed ans then attached it to the top rails of the chain link fence. We do have several "bellies" where the netting isn't tight, so we kinda "pony tailed" it in places, but all in all, it has worked well and I haven't had to do any more upkeep on it since I put it up...in July...in South Carolina...folks kept commenting on my great tan...

Good luck. I'll try to go down and get some pics later today, but since I gotta go trick-or-treating, it may not be until later!

 

[BrokenRoadFarm]

We used poultry fencing and covered it with a tarp to keep most of the snow/rain out. Plus it gives them shade in the summer.

 

[ozark hen]

We don't cover our large run. We do let weeds grow up very tall inside (the ones the chickens don't eat) as it gives them sheltered spots in the summer and helps cools down the run during the summer. During the winter we cover the inside of the run with hay, about 5-6" deep. There are still seeds in the hay for them to scratch for, plus there are still bugs that can live in the shelter of the hay. In very early spring, greenery comes up for them. It is a win-win situation for all. By next summer, every bit of the hay has composted into the ground. If I ever stop raising chickens, that will be my garden spot. lol
I would post a pic but my computer ..for some reason..won't allow it. I already posted one or two of it in a much earlier post. I will see if I can find a link for it.
Here is the link to the pictures of our run during winter months.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1150289#p1150289

 

[pawsplus]

My chainlink runs are covered w/ 2x2 woven (not welded) wire fencing, overlapped on the sides (folded down) and wired on securely every 3" or so. It's pretty secure!

You can see the overlap in this pic here.

 

[mstricer]

Quote:
Was there a certain vendor on Ebay? What did you pay, if you don't mind me asking? We found it on Cutler for 138$ plus shipping which will be another 47$ Thank You Michele