Help on top covering!

[Leahforeman]

Hello! Can someone please help me with easy ideas for covering the top of our very large outdoor run? I planned to do chicken wire for the short term then upgrade to hrdware wire when we can afford it next month. Our contractor went so big with the run it’s hard to cover without spending anotherrrr grand. I know most of you feel that pain! Hahaha

 

[nuthatched]

Welded wire fencing is sufficient and much cheaper. Only the coop needs the cloth.

 

[perkolator]

I used chicken wire for my overhead protection. Some people have predators that may fit through the holes, but I don't and IMO it's a plenty strong fencing type for overhead protection. I used bamboo poles to support the fencing as we have bamboo on our property.

Looking at your structure I'd be inclined to use steel cables across the top and fix the fencing to that. I'd make a simple grid of cables - one down the center going the long direction for center ridge, then for the short direction I'd space them so they're the width of your fencing materials (so 3 or 4ft apart). For height to walk inside, I'd likely make a simple pitch in the center using some supports underneath the wire, like a T-post, wood post, metal conduit, etc. Basically the wire structure will resemble the framework of those carport/tent/pole structures. Then fix your fencing materials to the wire frame; you can use basically any type of fencing for that - hardware cloth, welded wire, chicken wire, plastic or rope netting, etc.

Hope this makes sense. Good luck!

 

[21hens-incharge]

The run looks short since the privacy fence is taller than it.

My vote is to invest now in poles and framing that can support whatever you have on the wish list for long term.

If you get snow do be aware it can stick to wire covers and make it sag terribly.