Hi! I'm new to the group and fairly new to chicken-raising, having had my first ones about 2 years ago. I have 1 Speckled Sussex, 1 Americana, 4 Rhode Island Reds (1 of whom is a rooster), 1 golden buff orrington, and 1 Barred Rock. I also have 3 nigerian dwarf goats, 5 dogs (everything from chihuahuas to a Great Pyrenees), a kitten and 1 cat. I'm a Registered Nurse and between work and critters, I stay pretty busy.
I have a 30 X 40 chain link kennel, 6' high, wrapped in hardware cloth and covered in netting (to prevent owls, hawks, etc... from taking my birds). In the winter, we had a snowfall that weighed down the netting, causing part of our kennel to collapse. It was a disaster! Everyone was ok, thankfully.
My question is this: I've seen PVC pipes used to make hoop roofs; however, given my kennel is so big, 30 X 40, I need ideas on how to construct the roof with substantial support, what to cover it in, etc.... I've seen 6 mm greenhouse plastic used but I want shade for my animals, so that won't provide shade. Thought about tarps, but they aren't awfully attractive, and wood prices are skyrocketing! Any help would be so very appreciated!
I have a 30 X 40 chain link kennel, 6' high, wrapped in hardware cloth and covered in netting (to prevent owls, hawks, etc... from taking my birds). In the winter, we had a snowfall that weighed down the netting, causing part of our kennel to collapse. It was a disaster! Everyone was ok, thankfully.
My question is this: I've seen PVC pipes used to make hoop roofs; however, given my kennel is so big, 30 X 40, I need ideas on how to construct the roof with substantial support, what to cover it in, etc.... I've seen 6 mm greenhouse plastic used but I want shade for my animals, so that won't provide shade. Thought about tarps, but they aren't awfully attractive, and wood prices are skyrocketing! Any help would be so very appreciated!
. I'm glad none of your chickens were hurt when the roof collapsed.
Hope you find your answers.
