Looking for Chicken run netting advice

[hollyjolly0984]

I would like to net in my chicken run but not sure how to go about it and secure it as the dimensions are awkward and I have a large gate that connects the run to my back yard fencing. I also don’t want to cause any safety issues for the chickens or for them to get caught in it as they currently jump over the fence leading into the back yard, and that gate is my only access into the coop and run.

I am wanting to keep them out of the back yard, which they currently have access to. I am tired of the poop on my porch and also on the kids’ play areas. Hey have a size-able run area and access to grass. I currently have about 20 chickens.

I’ve decided that I’m either confining them to their own area to keep them out of the kids’ yard and porch, or re-homing them.

Pics attached of my coop run. Thanks!

-Holly

 

[DottieMinerva]

Check it this thread

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-yard-hawk-defense.1343412/

Someone included a link to what they purchased on Amazon on the first page. I can't help from personal experience.

 

[cavemanrich]

You actually have somewhat an easier solution than many peeps looking to keep raptors out.
There are 2 possible ways to handle this.
1. to keep your chickens from flying over fence, you can opt to clip their wings. Clipping just one wing is also a good option, so they do not get very high off ground.
2. attach netting to make your fence higher by the width of netting. maybe 3 or 4 feet. This keeps your chickens inside run. After a few attempts, chickens give up trying to fly the coop. This option is much easier than covering entire run, especially if area is large, and irregular shape.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[hollyjolly0984]

You actually have somewhat an easier solution than many peeps looking to keep raptors out.
There are 2 possible ways to handle this.
1. to keep your chickens from flying over fence, you can opt to clip their wings. Clipping just one wing is also a good option, so they do not get very high off ground.
2. attach netting to make your fence higher by the width of netting. maybe 3 or 4 feet. This keeps your chickens inside run. After a few attempts, chickens give up trying to fly the coop. This option is much easier than covering entire run, especially if area is large, and irregular shape.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

Thank you!
I have considered clipping but thought it might be a big ordeal. Is this something that is difficult to do and I imagine it would have to be re done at some point? I imagine it would need to me some at night while they are roosting.

 

[hollyjolly0984]

Luckily we have the awning covering at least half of their run so if netting is the way I go I guess I would just need to drape netting over the rest of it. How best to attach the netting though?

 

[cavemanrich]

Is this something that is difficult to do and I imagine it would have to be re done at some point?

It is not difficult at all. As to being necessary to be redone,,,,,,,,,,, In my experience,,,,,,, once I did it, it kept chickens from flying over fence. When feathers grew back, chickens knew/remembered it was not possible to fly over, so they did not attempt. I have never needed to trim feathers more than one time.
If you are going to chose this route,,,, I can forward info as best way to do the wing feather trimming. You can also search BYC for threads on trimming wing feathers.

 

[hollyjolly0984]

Thank you!
I have considered clipping but thought it might be a big ordeal. Is this something that is difficult to do and I imagine it would have to be re done at some point? I imagine it would need to me some at night while they are roosting.

Clipping sounds doable. I would appreciate whatever info you can send! Thank you!

 

[cavemanrich]

Here is an article explaining the process. and a kwik pix from there,,
https://www.permaculture.co.uk/readers-solutions/how-clip-chickens-wings-beginners

 

[cavemanrich]

Here is another way to clip wing feathers . This way it makes a prettier outcome, since the outside feathers are left intact, for BEAUTY PURPOSES,, It is the suggested way to do pigeons. It allows bird to do some flight, like up to a roost, but not higher up. I think it would work for chickens well. Allow to jump/fly up 2 feet to roost, but not over a 6 foot fence

 

[Birdsong 82]

Luckily we have the awning covering at least half of their run so if netting is the way I go I guess I would just need to drape netting over the rest of it. How best to attach the netting though?

To me the best height is your height at least. It makes a world of difference to be able to walk in and out easily without squatting and crouching down every