Trees in run - how to get the roof on

[3KillerBs]

I think netting really is the best option - might not be the strongest form of predator protection, but it's the most malleable one. Make sure to get a good quality net, preferably UV treated with a break/burst weight listed (pinnonhatch.com carries a variety of sizes and options).

Most netting is black so it'll visually disappear, so at least it won't be an eye sore as long as it's applied neatly.

I bookmarked one of your previous posts recommending a good product: https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/24960988/

 

[Nicky S]

I bookmarked one of your previous posts recommending a good product: https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/24960988/

Thank you - not my post but great to see how it is being used Also nice to hear that raccoons don't like to climb it. Not entirely sure how to get it around the trees in the best way possible, as they are too tall to go over the top, but I guess we'll figure it out!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you - not my post but great to see how it is being used Also nice to hear that raccoons don't like to climb it. Not entirely sure how to get it around the trees in the best way possible, as they are too tall to go over the top, but I guess we'll figure it out!

In your case best way would be to wrap it around the trunks and then zip tie/wire tie the perimeter of the netting into place around the existing openings on top of the run - you'll probably need to adjust it every couple of years as the trees grow. If the trees have branches just above the netting you can also secure the netting to those to help hold it up.

 

[Nicky S]

In your case best way would be to wrap it around the trunks and then zip tie/wire tie the perimeter of the netting into place around the existing openings on top of the run - you'll probably need to adjust it every couple of years as the trees grow. If the trees have branches just above the netting you can also secure the netting to those to help hold it up.

Many thanks! At least it won’t cut my hands up like the hwc I guess . I had no idea chickens would involve so much problem solving

 

[perkolator]

I would likely use chicken wire. In my experience it's quite flexible compared to other fencing materials, I trust it more than bird netting because it's metal. Should be fine to have the rectangular frame around the trunks and fill in with the chicken wire.

Do you not need access to annually prune that mulberry? Seems most people in my area chop them annually

 

[Nicky S]

I would likely use chicken wire. In my experience it's quite flexible compared to other fencing materials, I trust it more than bird netting because it's metal. Should be fine to have the rectangular frame around the trunks and fill in with the chicken wire.

Do you not need access to annually prune that mulberry? Seems most people in my area chop them annually

Thank you . We can prune the mulberry from outside the run, thankfully, as it’s close to the end. This year was actually the first year we pruned it, but maybe as it’s getting older it’ll need more.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

I would just caution not to tie netting too tightly or permanently around the trunks, as trees grow and it can girdle your tree branch. Hmm this is a tricky situation but there must be a solution. could you sew netting together so it fits around the tree and not tight to it? Like a hole for the branch.

 

[aart]

I would just caution not to tie netting too tightly or permanently around the trunks, as trees grow and it can girdle your tree branch.

Yes, plus those kind of slim multiple trunks will move with the wind.

 

[Nicky S]

I would just caution not to tie netting too tightly or permanently around the trunks, as trees grow and it can girdle your tree branch. Hmm this is a tricky situation but there must be a solution. could you sew netting together so it fits around the tree and not tight to it? Like a hole for the branch.

Good point. I’m thinking I can put wooden bars to make a frame around the trunk with some room to grow - as long as a raccoon can’t fit through I think we’ll be good - and attach netting or wire to that.

 

[Nicky S]

Yes, plus those kind of slim multiple trunks will move with the wind.

They certainly do. Now I’m wondering how much they move around.