Netting didn't last through one snowfall

[Wildsky]

Quote:
They call it horse fencing or field fencing, very similar to the picture JJ posted on page 1.

 

[kristenm1975]

As somebody has already mentioned, stringing up a grid works great. I too had netting that failed every time the snow fell and after losing a couple that flew out through the torn patches of netting, I decided to use several balls of just regular household twine or jute to cover the run. It was time-consuming, I'll admit, but it beats the hell out of the alternative of having your chickens eaten or lost in the snow.

Here's my run and netting prior to stringing up a grid:

I had the best success with a grid that covered the entire run, with the lines being no more than 3 or 4 inches apart the whole way. We had owls where I lived and I found out that they were able to divebomb through the one place where there was a larger space. Using just regular twine, the grid lasted through all kinds of winter storm and rain, and held up until we left the place, so about 9 months. A good solution in my mind.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[sommrluv]

We used tough chicken wire, and the other day from a wet snow, it was sagging fiercely. It was already supported by those electric fence tightener wires? We made a grid out of those, and used a four by four in the middle, and it stayed up nicely through the 12-14 inches we had this past weekend. That was a dry snow, but no sagging with the ice at all.

 

[poultrypatch]

Thanks to all for your replies/explainations on the chicken wire and horse fencing ! Much appreciated ! The odd thing here is this past wkend we got abt 25 inches of snow here in southern MA. Hardly did any damage to my netting. BUT the first time when we got about 3 inches it destroyed almost all of it !! Ripping it apart where I had tie wrapped it.
I also like the idea of using some kind of cable and running it in a grid across my 2 pens.
The good thing right now is NOBODY !!! Not even the Guineas,want to step out that pop door. They stand and look at all the snow...even though DH has shoveled much of their pens. So as long as they're ok with being inside it's ok with me. We also have red brooder lights on in each coop hanging over their waterers. VERY WELL SECURED..I'm terrified of fire. I just was getting too stressed each time I went out and it was frozen ! I know most of you folks say they don't need heat but OMG it's been between 9 and 19 degrees each morning here. I'd rather blow the money on the light bill then be worrying that they're going to be very cold or without water due to freezing !
Thanks again for all the input on the run toppings.
Happy holidays to all of you and your feathered, furry friends
Liz
Rochester, MA