Dog-proof option for your run: cattle or combo panel

[Chris623]

I used cattle panel to make the run in front of my coop. Then I covered it with 1/2" hardware cloth. I used treated 2x4's for the base and "rafters". Worked great. There are 4 separate panels on top and the sides and ends are also covered separately. I figured if I ever get tired of this run, it can be sold, dismantled and transported easily. Personally, I think cattle panels are the only way to go!

 

[ChooksChick]

Wow!

It's nice to see all of the other people using this!!

We actually have our yard fenced in this, and when we went to get more for the run, the people at Orscheln's didn't know the difference between combo panel and cattle panel, and since they couldn't find any evidence that they sold cattle panel, they gave us the combo for the price of cattle...I feel like Dr. Seuss, suddenly.

I tried to tell them it was supposed to be more because of the graduated holes, but they looked at me like my eyebrows had turned purple, so I let it go.

Usually, the holes will be all one size in cattle panel, and the smaller birds can walk right through. You'll have to use hardware cloth or chicken wire over this, so I was going to spring for the combo, which is about 5 or 6 bucks more a sheet- 16' length.

It will prevent the dogs from breaking in- that's the main reason for this strength.

 

[Chris623]

I raise llamas on 6 acres and my entire property, as well as all the individual pens are fenced in this. I put my chicken coop inside the "girls" pen so if a dog comes on the property the hens, who I plan on letting free range during the day, can jump back through the cattle panels into a protected area where the dogs can't penetrate. (made sense to me)

 

[ChooksChick]

Fabulous idea, Chris!

 

[minikeeper1143]

Hooray for cattle panels!!! We have a miniature horse farm and use cattle panels for everything, even lining our PVC fence for extra protection. When we got chickens a few months ago, I cut chicken wire to fit the panel with ample turn under all around and zip tied it all around the panel. It created a portable "chicken panel" that can easily be moved around and secured to posts or even clamped in the corners with metal clamps for a temporary run or exercise area. It is kind of like a bigger version of the panels used for dogs x-pens.

No fence stretching, rigid, easy to move, strong and long lasting for the price. They can be cut to size with heavy duty wire cutters so you can cut out a gate or make them fit any space. You can cut the center wire along the bottom squares and then push the prongs that are left into the ground also. I'm sure we could start a whole thread on the great uses for cattle panels. One of those great things that rank up there with silver duct tape, and silicone seal.

Editied .......to add that I am typing this as I listen to peeping from my hatcher as my first Black Copper Marans egg (at 20 days) has pipped it's shell and is rocking and rolling. 13 Marans eggs, 8 blue bantam chochin eggs...21 days tomorrow but one "early bird"

 

[MyTDogs]

Okay, I love this stuff! I just put up a fence & left out a post so that I could have a 16ft area that I will put up a cattle/combo panel to use for an occasional gate.

My problem is I drive a Honda Element & while I can fit tons of stuff in it, I can't fit a 16 foot panel! How are you guys getting these home? Do you all have big pick ups? I tried to use my dad's truck but it only has an 8ft bed so we still needed huge pieces of lumber for support.

So I am still panel-less in FL (


Cindy

 

[minikeeper1143]

Quote:
You really do need a utility trailer to transport these. Some retailers will deliver them too.

 

[ChooksChick]

We bend ours in an arch tucked in the back of the truck. It doesn't really bend it enough to be permanent. I also put them over the top of my minivan, over a blanket. They were anchored to the top, my grill and my back bumper with twine, and flopped around, but since tied in place, it can't really go anywhere.

 

[cmjust0]

Cattle panels are good for lots of stuff.. Like the OP, we use them for our tomatoes and peas.. I also use them in the barn to block off stalls occasionally...mostly to fence myself in from the goats. They're handy to have around.

Panels, that is. Goats can be handy to, but more often than not they're in the way.

Anyhow, I'm really surprised more people haven't heard of them, since they're the main structural component of the "Hoop Coop" .. I figured for sure that plenty of people here would have hoop coops..

The Hoop Coop actually gave me the idea of building a longer version of the same structure covered with a translucent tarp...voila...it's a cattle panel greenhouse on the cheap!

As others have mentioned...getting a cattle panel home can be a challenge.. We bend them into a horseshoe, stuff them into the back of a pickup, and apply liberal amounts of twine, rope, and tie-down straps. Worst part is taking them back out once they're home.....they're quite springy, and there's a lot of potential energy bound up in a torqued cattle panel. If you're not careful, they'll wipe your face clean off your head when they pop loose.

 

[CarolinesChicks]

What did you use to attach the cattle panels to the wood? I am thinking about U nails, but wasn't sure if they would be strong enough or go deep enough into the wood.

Thanks!