Netting above run sufficient?

[HennyPenny44]

Since it snows where you live I would not go with a 1/2” hardware cloth top because it’s really hard to get it to not build up on the top. The 1” allows the snow to fall through better and it’s easier to knock off. We just got a foot and half of snow and I have a little section of 1/2” hardware cloth on the top (just because it was a scrap piece) and the rest is the 1”. The snow got through the 1” but the 1/2” I couldn’t get any to fall through it even with hitting it with the back side of a rake lol.

Here’s a picture of how I made supports in my run for the hardware cloth top. I attached it with screws and washers.
View attachment 3419306
View attachment 3419307

It’s holding up pretty well despite the heavy snow! Got it, 1” minimum on top. At least I’d be saving on hardwarecloth. Supports are tough to build for me but I’ve learned through experience that everything sags without them.

 

[HennyPenny44]

I used shade cloth in hopes that it's a bit more to get through but I also don't have to worry about snow. View attachment 3419309

It might be a good solution for me for the non-winter months.

 

[HennyPenny44]

Do you have raccoons? Bird netting will not keep them out.

I haven’t seen raccoons on my property but I’m sure they’re in the area since we’re surrounded by forest. So now I’m leaning more toward wire top.

 

[HennyPenny44]

They can and will. 1x1 mesh should keep the larger ones out.

I’ve never seen a weasel in my life nor did I know they live on rivers. In my research, I haven’t read that so it’s all hearsay. But it seems like 1x1 mesh top might be the best option for me as prevention.

 

[David61]

Raccoons don't like my 2" netting because they get tangled in it easy if they try to climb it as its draped on top of my animal wire fence not tied down. The heavy duty poultry protection netting is snow rated.
https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting
i'm going into my fourth year and the net still looks new.

 

[HennyPenny44]

Raccoons don't like my 2" netting because they get tangled in it easy if they try to climb it as its draped on top of my animal wire fence not tied down. The heavy duty poultry protection netting is snow rated.
https://pinnonhatch.com/poultry-sup...hicken-pen-fencing/poultry-protection-netting
i'm going into my fourth year and the net still looks new.

That’s the netting I have and it’s great but it sags so I may need wire under it like you I think.

 

[David61]

That’s the netting I have and it’s great but it sags so I may need wire under it like you I think.

I use a center pole . I salvaged an old ham radio pole. you can see the three leg base stands and the galvanized poles laid out on top of them. When a tropical storm or hurricane comes, i just pull it back down the pole like a curtain and tie it off to the coop.

 

[HennyPenny44]

I use a center pole . I salvaged an old ham radio pole. you can see the three leg base stands and the galvanized poles laid out on top of them. When a tropical storm or hurricane comes, i just pull it back down the pole like a curtain and tie it off to the coop.

That’s pretty ingenious! I have to try something similar.

 

[aynesidea]

I used shade cloth in hopes that it's a bit more to get through but I also don't have to worry about snow. View attachment 3419309

Would that be shade cloth only, or do you have hardware cloth under it?

 

[aynesidea]

I use a center pole . I salvaged an old ham radio pole. you can see the three leg base stands and the galvanized poles laid out on top of them. When a tropical storm or hurricane comes, i just pull it back down the pole like a curtain and tie it off to the coop.

I just ordered 1 inch heavy duty bird netting from Pinion myself, but wondered if I need to add something else, 4 ft sides will have 19 gauge half inch hardware cloth with 24 inch apron?