Covering the run?

[julieetroy]

i have a 12x 18 fenced run. I have tried various options — cover with deer netting, no cover, cover with misc. wire fencing. When there is a heavy snow (last night 11 inches), the cover gets weighted down with snow pile. Any suggestions on something that will 1)keep hawks out + 2)let snow fall through?

 

[PirateGirl]

some people have success with stringing fishing line across the tops of their runs to keep hawks out

 

[TwinkleChicken]

Perhaps string bands of reflective tape across the top of the run, w/ 1ft-1/2ft gaps in between bands. hawks and other predators in general do not like these bright colors.

 

[aart]

Any suggestions on something that will 1)keep hawks out + 2)let snow fall through?

Most snow falls thru the 14ga 2x4 fencing...
....gotta watch it tho, if it starts to stick needs to be knocked off and/or propped up.

 

[PirateGirl]

I also have 2"x4" fencing on the tops of my runs, for the most part the snow falls through, and we get a lot of snow, as in it snows at least twice a week for about 6 months and the permanent drift in the back yard is now 5 feet tall. This week we've already had over a foot of snow with more on the way. We have lots of hawks as well, and I feel comfortable with the fencing size.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

I use the heavy duty bird netting for my run. Its the same stuff we used to cover the (40) 1acre pens for our 40,000 pheasants when I worked for the IDNR. Goes over easy, handles snow load with support (aircraft cable on turnbuckles), and does a good job at keeping things out. Large hawks, eagles, and occasionally owls WILL fly through it though when they are determined to get in. But just like locks on a door, if something wants in, it will find a way.

 

[Alaskan]

How much of a trouble you have with snow sticking to the cover depends greatly on how much humidity you have.

Usually higher humidity makes the snow stick to just about anything, even thin slick wire.

I have 2 parts to my run.

I have a more secure run that is topped with concrete reinforcing wire since that is sturdy and holds up under snow, with chicken wire over it to reduce hole size. Of course, it WILL hold snow, so does have to be held up with secure supports, but is stiff enough that you don't need a crazy impressive frame to hold it up.



When snow falls I close off my less secure/larger area runs... because I can't keep anything over the top of them that the snow doesn't break down.

The girls don't like playing in the snow ... so it really isn't a loss.

When the snow leaves, I cover the larger runs with a combo of fishnet, and lines with bits of flapping brightly colored surveyor's tape.

It works well.

 

[Alaskan]

Picture of wire top.

 

[aart]

How much of a trouble you have with snow sticking to the cover depends greatly on how much humidity you have.

Usually higher humidity makes the snow stick to just about anything, even thin slick wire.

Well, kinda.
A wet snow will stick more, but even a drier snow will stick of it's proceeded by a wet snow or freezing rain having iced the wires.
Once it starts to stick....it's going to keep piling up.
A good sharp wind can save the day tho...had fluffy snow piling on wires last week but the blizzard winds came long and knocked it all off. I was glad of that!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I would just get a huge tarp to cover up the run to give some shelter from the elements, not to mention the hawk that has it's eyes on Chicken Little and his crew.