Got my mandies!!!...finally (Pictures)

[SundownWaterfowl]

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I would use something stronger than nylon netting. Racoons will have no problem tearing through that.

 

[1lpoock]

I think I might get a cold frame like Giffy's...i see he covered it in pvc coated hex wire...whats the difference of that and chicken wire....what do you suggest to cover it in, I cant spend an arm and leg on hardware cloth!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I covered mine with chicken wire. Never had any problems.

 

[1lpoock]

Thats what I think I will end up doing...did you bury chicken wire out about a foot underground?

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

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No. I have never had problems with racoons, etc. digging under the pens.

 

[cawooduck]

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How big of a pen do you plan on building? The only problem with chicken wire is the fact that if something spooks your birds, or they decide to go haywire when you enter the pen, they could slam into the wire ripping their skull caps, or worse, breaking their necks.

My first pen was 24' x 12' x 8' tall, i had a few wood duck hens slam into the wire and break their necks and a couple that peeled the skin from their mandibles to above their eyes. Mind you these birds were new and not used to me, and i learned that i should have clipped their wings before turning them loose till they got used to me and my movements.

I have had birds slam into the side of my new pen which is made of the heavy knotted netting and they bounced off and were unscathed.

Sundown is right though, if a coon or stray dog wanted in bad enough, they will get in, but that goes for all types of applications, ive seen coons rip a live trap appart and that is heavy wire, they are powerful creatures and can rip wire and bend tin roofing material. The only real coon proof type of application is cyclone fence, but its expensive and looks like the birds are in jail, not very eye appealing to me.

I believe if you use knotted netting and a sight barrier you will be ok, and if it really worries you, add some hot wires around the pen.

 

[1lpoock]

Thanks for the info...everyone is soo helpful

I put in a security camera and watched for hours and I finally saw them eat and drink

They were running back and forth...the camera is set up over the brooder and I am watching on my tv in my room...its really nice !

 

[DuckyBoys]

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Ewwww....I have 2 hens that do that too, though thankfully they have never injured themselves. I have the heavy duty netting over top and just a wrapped wire horse fence for the bottom four feet. Those crazy hens...they spook so easy.

I'm glad they are eating and I can't wait to see pics as they feather out! My males have just started the summer molt so they are going "bald".

 

[1lpoock]

Where do you guys get your heavy duty netting? Any links?

 

[cawooduck]

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I did a lot of internet searching and found a 50' x 50' x two inch heavy duty top netting from 3T products for $120 shipped to my door. Top rite was quite a bit more.