Several options that come to mind, depending somewhat on exactly how your fence is structured:
- pop the caps off the chainlink line posts and either stuff the pvc into them or stuff a galvanized pipe (or similar) into each and thread the pvc onto that pipe. Screw through to prevent pulling out.
- use those double-ended clamps that bolt together clamshellwise (meant for attaching corners of chainlink kennels, or adjacent panels and gates) to attach the pvc to the chainlink posts.
- attach 2x4 or 2x6's to the chainlink and use pipe clamps to attach the pvc to them.
It will be about 20' X 30', and will have to hold the weight of the fencing or deer netting, or whatever we decide to use across the top as predator proofing. We can use bracing underneath, no problem.
You will need LOTS OF bracing, at frequent intervals, engineered so it is diagonally braced as well and can't just all lop sideways -- that roof will catch a lot of snow load (yes, even on mesh) and neither mesh nor pvc are up to the job. It would be wise to spring for the pricier pvc that is thicker and uv-protected, as normal cheap pvc piping does not last more than a year or two before becoming pathologically brittle.
And I'm thinking that since the fencing is already in place and I really don't want to dig a footing for concrete or rock, why can't I just "thread" rebar through the chain link, hammer it into the ground every 4 to 5 inches across to keep out digging predators? That sounds like easier work for an old woman!
There is a much easier way than that: simply get some 3' wide 2x4" galvanized wire fencing and lay it on the ground all around the run, attached securely to the base of the run fence. Pin it down well (tentpegs, concrete rubble, pavers, bend the edge down and let grass grow through the rest, cover with soil or mulch or turf, whatever floats your boat). It is very very little work compared to any other digproofing method and works at least as well. (Better, really, than rebar every 4-5 inches, as many predators will be able to get through that and it would cost quite a lot in rebar and labor...)
Good luck, have fun,
Pat
