Portable modular covered run!

[StrawberryMoon]

I just completed a portable aviary for my chicks! The structure is made of 3/4" PVC and it is covered with bird netting (attached with zip ties). Modular 10' lengths of tunnel are tied together with Velcro straps. The last segment has an end cap of bird netting. I plan on making a couple more of these to double the size of the aviary. There is about 2' of space between the run and the electric fence that is not covered, but I'm told hawks won't land if they don't have plenty of clearance for their wingspan. Thoughts about that?

 

[CapricornFarm]

I thought the hawks would not bother birds twenty feet from the house under a lean to attached to my garage, but i was wrong and lost a number of young birds before i figured out what was going on. I worry about the bird netting, it is not very durable. But you have hot wire protection so maybe you won't have night time invaders. The birds can get in under the coop for shade, right? Good work, you have been busy.

 

[Dmontgomery]

Looks pretty cool. My very limited experience with hawks is that they swoop in from the side, not drop straight down, so it looks ok for that.

 

[aart]

Pretty slick!
What is your climate/location?

Hopefully hawks don't crash into/thru the deer netting...
...and that your hot wire is HOT at all times.

 

[Carol McLaine]

I would love to make something like this, for only 3 chicks for when they get bigger. I would like to make it small enough so I can move it by myself. How did this one hold up? If I only have them outside during the day, do I really need the electric fencing? Some people in our area just let their chickens run loose. I don't know how many they lose though.

 

[aart]

Pretty slick!
What is your climate/location?

Hopefully hawks don't crash into/thru the deer netting...
...and that your hot wire is HOT at all times.

How's this working out for ya @StrawberryMoon?

 

[StrawberryMoon]

How's this working out for ya @StrawberryMoon?

So far so good! I've been expanding it with more units!

 

[StrawberryMoon]

I would love to make something like this, for only 3 chicks for when they get bigger. I would like to make it small enough so I can move it by myself. How did this one hold up? If I only have them outside during the day, do I really need the electric fencing? Some people in our area just let their chickens run loose. I don't know how many they lose though.

Hi Carol- whether or not you need the electric fence depends on the types of predators that live in your are and the types of protections already in place. They might be ok without in a well fenced back yard in a city with few predators. However I am in the country with raccoons who are willing to wake up mid-day if there's a meal in it for them, and neighbors who free range their dogs. I'm afraid I'd lose my whole flock without the electric fence.

 

[aart]

So far so good! I've been expanding it with more units!

Great thanks!
Do you get snow?

Pretty slick!
What is your climate/location?

Hopefully hawks don't crash into/thru the deer netting...
...and that your hot wire is HOT at all times.

 

[StrawberryMoon]

Great thanks!
Do you get snow?[/QUOTE

We do, but not usually that much and it usually only sticks around for a week or so at a time. This will be my first winter with the chickens.