- Thread starter
- #71
ThatTeowonna
Songster
Y
You are reading my mind! For the run, I was definitely thinking abut the t-posts and welded wire. I already have a 10x10 dog fencing that is working well, but would like for it to be a little larger. Right now, I have chicken wire on top. You gave me many other good ideas! I'm sure I will implement. The roosts should be easy enough and the painting should be fun!..."And I still had to build the roost and nests myself!"
That's a good point. Your design doesn't look like it includes any amenities, like roosts, vinyl flooring, or paint? So you're still going to have to do a lot of finish work that may not be in your contractor's quote.
I think you could save some money by replacing the siding and roof with metal. You can always add insulation in the winter. ($60-70/4x8 sheet vs. $30/3x12 panel) It's loud when it rains, but mine don't mind it at all; and you probably have worse summers than winters, so the wood is more of a burden anyway.
For the same price as a sheet of plywood, you could by a 2 hole rollout nest box to hang on the inside, although you'll probably want four hole with that many birds.
For your run, you can do t-posts ($5 each) and 5' 2x4 welded wire fencing (50' is about $50 I think) for now. Pop a $25 50"x16' cattle panel on top for a "roof" and hawk barrier. Use a mesh tarp from harbor freight as a shade cloth, with pool noodles/pipe insulation on the fence edges to protect the tarp. (Those mesh tarps are nice BTW, I use them everywhere.) Or, if you *need* to cover it in welded wire all over, go with 3 cattle panels and t-posts, build an end door or buy a 4' chain link gate, and cover the panels with the cloth. Order the hardware cloth from the feed store or online, Lowes/HD don't sell long or tall enough rolls for a decent price.