Covering the Run

[marie_martin]

I have a 280 square foot run and need to cover it as cheaply but safely as possible. The run was a dog pen so is made from 4x4 welded wire that has been buried a foot into the ground. Then we took some chicken wire and put around the bottom and flared it out a foot all the way around. Then at the top of that wire we went up from there with more wire to make it about 6 1/2 feet tall. There are 2x4's all around which are set in concrete and the wire is attached to them. I want to cover the top and come down about two feet on each side and attach all the wire together so nothing could climb up and into the pen. There is an area that is covered with a lean-to. Basically a piece of tin attached to the 2x4s in one corner and the coop so that if it is raining they can still come out of the coop and have something to get under. I checked walmart and they have no netting this time of year. Should I use netting or would chicken wire be ok for the top. I know you should not use it on the coops and runs but I just used it basically to reinforce the welded wire and at the top. They are in the coop at night anyway. All suggestions would be appreciated.


Marie

 

[TransplantedTexan]

Do you have any pictures?

 

[marie_martin]

not since we remodeled it. No. I will try to get one tonight. It is basicaly a rectangle that is about 6 1/2 feet tall with 2x4s all the way around and the wire is attached to the 2x4s. I will have to put in about 3 more 2x4s in the center to hold up whatever I put up for a cover. So it will be supported in the middle and look much like a square circus tent I guess. The wire or netting will cover the top and come down on each side and be attached to keep anything from creeping in. Just wondered what would be the least expensive but still safe way to do that. Need about 300 square feet of material. Thanks.

Marie

 

[WoodlandWoman]

You are mainly looking for protection from daytime hawk attacks, right?

I'm sorry you've had such terrible problems with that recently.

 

[marie_martin]

Yes, but I want to make it safe from anything else we might encounter as well. I know there are coyotes and racoons. I don't think the coyotes can get in but I don't know about the racoons. They can climb I am sure and I want to make sure they are ok. But I have read that most put bird netting on top and it works fine. I just don't know locally what types are available. I know I can get chicken wire and other types of wire. And it needs to be done quickly so that I don't have to lose any more birds. I hate to leave them in the coop. At least they could stay in the run during the day and I could sit out with them some on the weekends and evenings. At least until this hawk moves on to greener pastures??? Thanks.

Marie

 

[Windy Ridge]

I think the chicken wire will be effective for keeping out the hawks... and chances are, it would keep out coyotes when fixed securely to the top of your 6'5" run. Coyotes are unlikely to jump way up to the top to tear through the stuff. But it wouldn't be effective for keeping out raccoons, IMO. Raccoons can tear through the stuff.

On the other hand, they'd have to know to go to the top of the run to start working their way in, and tearing through chicken wire MAY be easier when they're sitting on the ground. I don't know.

Just be aware that chicken wire isn't considered secure against raccoons.



(JMHO)

 

[seminolewind]

I used sun shade material, got it at home depot. It was $70 for 300 feet, 6 ft wide. It provides shade and protection from hawks, etc. It doesn't sag, I have each section 10 foot long and 6 foot wide.

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

You can find some clamps and crimping pliers at most hardware stores for under $10.00 that will make excellent seams with what ever you decide to make the cover with. The clamps are tiny sheetmetal pieces that will roll into a tube by using the crimping pliers, making a good durable seam between pieces. They are originally designed for animal traps and crab pots and such and are very strong and very cheap.
Hope that is of some help.

RCG

 

[marie_martin]

I think since it is on top we are going to go with the chicken wire. We have an area that will be covered for them and may at some point put sunshad over an area, but for right now, I think the immediate fix is to cover the entire thing with chicken wire. I appreciate all the help. I am going to get the clamps as well, that is a great idea for attaching things. I have been using the plastic zip ties but knew eventually I would need something metal. I appreciate all the help.

Marie

 

[debashan]

We used plastic snow fencing in green. It's inexpensive, comes in large rolls and remains stable in the heat. I fixed in to the run every few inches with cable ties. I've had a hawk that perches on top the the run posts and have never had a problem with any predators. Freaks out the chix but has not gotten in.