Netting didn't last through one snowfall

[SpiffyChicken]

Thanks for all of your responses.

Still don't know what to try. Our run is 20 X20, so I can't imagine the cost of covering it with all the welded wire...But we may have to do just that and hook the 4ft lengths together. On a previous post, I saw someone who used lattice on the top, but I'm guessing the snow would be too much for that also. Someone else was going to string barbed wire across the top. Anyone with tough winters have success with either of those? Wish there was a simpler solution. Should've thought of something better before it go soooooo cold!!! Brrrrr.

 

[TcherDawn]

Same thing happend to our bird netting. We have support beams running, but it was just too much. I was out there every hours knocking snow down my coat! Ugh. So now we have nothing, which is Ok, because my chickens HATE snow and won't go out. I may try the welded wire if they decide to start venturing out again, but right now, they are indoor chickens. Go figure.

 

[Zahboo]

All I can think of is putting like 4 4x4 poles and running 2x4s connecting the poles and connecting the poles to the outside of the run like braces I guess you could call it... Make a tic tac toe board with 2x4s and then run some fence up there... We don't have problems with snow but when it rains my deer netting sags a little more each time...

 

[Joyryder]

I put up deer netting, and it collapsed with that first NY snowfall. It was more than 6 inches of very wet and heavy snow mixed with freezing rain.
Now parts of it are buried in the snow. But at least my 3 fliers have stayed within the run.

I guess its back to the drawing board.

 

[Zahboo]

I always wanted to get the tinted polyvinyl corrugated panels. They come 8x3, 12x3, 16x3 and I think you can order them larger. Slanting them to shed the snow could help. It would be costly for a large run though... Mine is 8x10 but I can't afford the money to cover it with anything besides deer netting.

 

[rancher hicks]

I just put 2x4 x8's across my run under the blue tarp. My run is made with 2x2's and is 6 feet high. I used the boards I have plans to use to build a second run next spring. I may just build it in such a way that I can make the roof slanted in the winter next year, Lord willing. I spaced them every 3-4 feet. Hope it works.
I did find the wavey plastic at lowes it's $29 for a 12 x24 foot panel. They do have cheaper colored for $19 I think and some heavier stuff 79" by 4' I think $19. Costly I know but not an every day expense.

 

[mdbokc]

Why not just run some lines/cords on 12-18" centers creating a maze of sorts. That will keep the birds in and the flying predators out. And plenty of space to not allow the snow to build up.

 

[SpiffyChicken]

hmmmmmm....that sounds like something I might consider. It's the flying predators I'm worried about the most, as the coop is locked up tight at night--or so I hope. Thanks

 

[Wildsky]

We used horse fencing, its 2x4 I think, we nailed each piece to the coop roof, and then pulled it out to join the top of the fence, we had to put up a few pieces this way.

The snow STILL builds up on it

not too fast, and we do have two posts in the center of the run, just standing there............

We normally have time to go out and "bounce" the snow off.

 

[poultrypatch]

Wildsky......what exactly is "horse fencing " please ? When you say 2 x 4 I assume that is the size of the opening ? What is it made of ?
Has anyone tried to use chicken wire as a enclosure for the top of the pens ??
TXS in advance
Liz
Rochester, MA