Help me figure this out

[Ladobaze]

Ok so the coop will sit on top of that raised wood part and then the run will be totally enclosed in hardwire cloth along with an apron (just need to get those materials). Here is my question. My plan is to put up some bird netting (I’ve already got lots of input on which to get. Thanks!) and I may also include some colorful mason line just to be on the safe side. BUT, what is the best way to attach the bird netting to the hardwire cloth so that racoons can’t get inbetween? I think my biggest worries here are hawks and raccoons so that’s what I’m trying to prevent the most. Also, I know it’s not the greatest run, but I’m on my own currently and have little to know experience in building things and on a very small budget - (think free. Made from things found around the property) so I’m just doing what I can for now.

 

[TwoShepherds]

I attached my bird-netting to my fence with zip ties. The netting is not racoon proof, though hardware cloth is.

 

[Ladobaze]

I attached my bird-netting to my fence with zip ties. The netting is not racoon proof, though hardware cloth is.

Someone previously stated that if you hang it loosely they won’t attempt to climb on it. No?

 

[Matilda Belle]

Zip ties

 

[TwoShepherds]

Someone previously stated that if you hang it loosely they won’t attempt to climb on it. No?

I would assume they could just bite or scratch right through netting, though I'm not an expert. I have a chain link run with bird netting over the top. I know my run is not predator proof, but the chickens are locked safely in the coop at night. I'm not too worried about daytime predators (other than hawks) because the coop is close (ish) to the house and my big dogs are in and out all day long. If I wanted a 100% secure run, I'd enclose it top to bottom in hardware cloth and put an apron around the bottom so nothing could dig under.

 

[aart]

I would not count on a bird netting roof to keep raccoons out.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If raccoons are a real concern I would extend the wire over the top. If that's not in the budget and you can at least make the coop solid and predator proof, then netting is probably better than nothing. Zip ties are probably the easiest to install option but less secure, or you can use metal fasteners such as j-clips or hog rings, or weave wire between the pieces.

 

[perkolator]

If you use zipties, make sure they're UV-resistant or they'll snap pretty easily

 

[K0k0shka]

If you have no other feasible option but to use bird netting, I would suggest in addition to stretching it over the top (for hawks), to also surround the perimeter of the top of the fence with bunched up, loose-ish bird netting, still zip-tied in some places so it doesn't blow away, but very loose. Loose bird netting is an absolute nightmare to work with, crawl through/over, and extricate yourself from if you get caught in it. Especially little paws with fingers. Raccoons hate it and might just decide it's not worth the annoyance and leave your pen alone! (I kinda hate it myself, too, it gets caught on every branch and leaf and tangled in my feet and it's just a total pain in the butt). I use it on my lawn when the raccoons start digging trenches and they leave the whole yard alone.

 

[Folly's place]

You can get metal zip ties, and they hold up very well!
Snow and ice can be a problem with any overhead netting, so have adequate supports for it, for snow load.
Mary