Incredibly rocky soil, I need advice for the run!

[Steigler24]

My soil is basically all rock and a tiny bit of dirt. So I know what you mean when you talk about rocky soil The good news is those rocks will also slow down predators trying to dig in. I would do a 2 foot wide apron with hardware cloth all the way around, you can just dig down a little bit then put a bunch of rocks on top of it. No need to make a big trench. Use the rocks to your advantage.

Sounds good, I'll be able to do an apron on three of the sides but the front is blacktop driveway.... Good thing animals can't dig through blacktop!! Thanks so much for your advice!

 

[Steigler24]

Aviary netting is cheap on the amazon, 50 square feet for around $59. with all those trees ,you could use as posts and can cut the netting any way you wish. You would want to put your fowl in at night anyway.

I'm not familiar with aviary netting... Is it literally netting or is it like hardware cloth? How sturdy is it? What kind of predator protection does it give? Our chicks do go in at night and have a sensor controlled coop door.

 

[LeannS]

On the top of this page is a ( LEARNING CENTER ) you will get all kinds of ideas for your project.

Aviary netting is meant for birds, to keep them out or keep them in, It is used on top of your fence.
Very strong nylon.

 

[Calichicken2015]

Probably...might be good to pin down the mesh well and cover it with an inch or two of dirt....or plant a low ground cover?

Thanks! I think I can dig 2 or 3 inches and cover it with some soils and maybe rocks over that?

 

[aart]

Quote: Very small rocks, like pea gravel.
Using large rocks or pavers over a mesh apron can defeat the purpose,
animal may start digging at edge of rocks and end up under the apron.

 

[Calichicken2015]

Very small rocks, like pea gravel.
Using large rocks or pavers over a mesh apron can defeat the purpose,
animal may start digging at edge of rocks and end up under the apron.

Got it! Thanks! I think that's the plan here