Using Windscreen Tarps to keep out weasels and raccoons?

[NatJ]

I would probably go with both: hardware cloth (predator proofing) plus tarps (wind/rain/snow). The tarp I would use over the top and some of the sides, but I would also leave it off some sides for ventilation. How many open sides? Depends on the climate. In Florida, I might cover just the roof. In Michigan I might cover the roof plus three and a half of the four sides (maybe just leave the door un-tarped.) Other places, something in between.

 

[aart]

My worry is that even if we manage to cover all the holes with the tarp weasels will just tear a hole through it and then squeeze through the chain link fence holes.

Yep, high possibility.
But some wind blocking might be good any, something clear is best.

If that's the case then we would just go with hardware cloth, and Bute the bullet on the price.

Yep, it hurts, but will be well worth the cost.

Do you also have a coop?
Do you have to worry about snow load on the run roof?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @ChickenBoyDave
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[ChickenBoyDave]

Thanks all for the kind replies. I apologize for being short on important details. I've attached a few photos of the set up. We do have a coop. The pen was used by the previous owners for dogs and there is a really cute, very secure dog house connected to the chain link pen. It's all strong wood with a secure bottom, small glass windows and two metal vents near the top for ventilation. We just built a locking door for the exit from the doghouse / coop to the pen, but would feel a lot better having the pen secure as well. (In case I didn't make it clear earlier, the chicks are currently in a smaller chicken tractor until we get this ready)

We live in upstate New York so it is cold and snowy, but not as cold and snowy as most places up here. We bought a roof for the pen that will block snow from getting in, and I think some wind covers will be good as well. But based on everyone's suggestions we bought hardware cloth that we are going to wrap the whole thing in as well.

You can see the beautiful miniature replica paintings the previous owner put in the doghouse in one of the pictures as well haha. Obviously we are going to be putting up two perches and adding nesting boxes as well.

Please let me know if you have any more suggestions, and thank you for your help.

 

[Cryss]

Hey all, first time poster here.

Moving our chickens to an old dog pen for the winter and trying to make sure that it is safe from weasels and raccoons. The pen is sturdy chain link with concrete foundations so nothing can dig underneath it. We know that chainlink is not tight enough to keep out weasels though, so we are looking at either wrapping the whole thing in hardware cloth or using a windscreen tarp on the non-south sides of the pen. This is cheaper and would block a lot of the cold wind we get as well. Would this be effective in keeping out raccoons and weasels though? I'm worried they would rip the tarp and hop right through. Not sure how prone weasels are to ripping through material so I thought I would ask everyone here. Thank you in advance!

raccoons and weasels are mostly nighttime hunters. most situations it will be easier to secure the coop in the overnight hours than secure the entire run.will your coop be locking the chickens inside at night? this would be my first concern. safety at night when they are most vulnerable.
i would definitely go with the hardware cloth plan and still use the tarp over that if you need windbreak.

You are right to be worried about critters ripping tarps. A chicken dinner is a great motivator. I say critters rather than raccoons because any hungry animal will rip that tarp without any reservations. Chicken tastes good to everyone! I have a run made of chain link. It is wrapped in 1/2 inch hardware cloth. It has hardware cloth over the top. It has a 2 foot hardware cloth apron to prevent digging and to cover the gap at the base. In winter the hardware cloth is covered in tarp as a wind block. You say you want to protect your chickens from cold winds using tarps, yet they don’t have a coop to sleep in? Tarps might be a wind break but it’s not going to be draft free. Cold drafts should be avoided in their roosting and sleeping quarters. Also chickens need to feel protected. When critters come around in the middle of the night and stare drooling or making whimpering noises your birds will feel stressed. This can cause them to stop laying. In a coop they feel protected.

 

[NatJ]

You say you want to protect your chickens from cold winds using tarps, yet they don’t have a coop to sleep in?

Looks like two of you were posting at the same time! Cryss, the post just above yours has details of both the dog kennel, and the doghouse inside it that will serve as a coop for sleeping and nesting.

 

[centrarchid]

If tarp used as cover, then take care to support it properly and make so it sheds precipitation like snow. Raccoon chewing through tarp on sides not likely if chickens not really close to probing raccoon. Raccoon will not be able chew through fencing itself. Your weak points for raccoon is where critter tries to force itself past where panels come together and corners of door. Raccoon can also beat tarp in top. You will still have issues against weasels near door unless you make hardware cloth fit so tight you have a hard time opening and closing door.

I would make so only part of top blocks weather so you get more direct sun on run bottom to help dry it out. Too wet can get you into health issues that will rival a raccoon.

 

[Cryss]

Thanks all for the kind replies. I apologize for being short on important details. I've attached a few photos of the set up. We do have a coop. The pen was used by the previous owners for dogs and there is a really cute, very secure dog house connected to the chain link pen. It's all strong wood with a secure bottom, small glass windows and two metal vents near the top for ventilation. We just built a locking door for the exit from the doghouse / coop to the pen, but would feel a lot better having the pen secure as well. (In case I didn't make it clear earlier, the chicks are currently in a smaller chicken tractor until we get this ready)

We live in upstate New York so it is cold and snowy, but not as cold and snowy as most places up here. We bought a roof for the pen that will block snow from getting in, and I think some wind covers will be good as well. But based on everyone's suggestions we bought hardware cloth that we are going to wrap the whole thing in as well.

You can see the beautiful miniature replica paintings the previous owner put in the doghouse in one of the pictures as well haha. Obviously we are going to be putting up two perches and adding nesting boxes as well.

Please let me know if you have any more suggestions, and thank you for your help.

You are right to be worried about critters ripping tarps. A chicken dinner is a great motivator. I say critters rather than raccoons because any hungry animal will rip that tarp without any reservations. Chicken tastes good to everyone! I have a run made of chain link. It is wrapped in 1/2 inch hardware cloth. It has hardware cloth over the top. It has a 2 foot hardware cloth apron to prevent digging and to cover the gap at the base. In winter the hardware cloth is covered in tarp as a wind block. You say you want to protect your chickens from cold winds using tarps, yet they don’t have a coop to sleep in? Tarps might be a wind break but it’s not going to be draft free. Cold drafts should be avoided in their roosting and sleeping quarters. Also chickens need to feel protected. When critters come around in the middle of the night and stare drooling or making whimpering noises your birds will feel stressed. This can cause them to stop laying. In a coop they feel protected.

Looks like two of you were posting at the same time! Cryss, the post just above yours has details of both the dog kennel, and the doghouse inside it that will serve as a coop for sleeping and nesting.

Indeed we were! I didn’t see the post above me because of that. Excellent! I love that the “paintings” were kept. It looks to be a strong coop. Good plans.

 

[aart]

If tarp used as cover, then take care to support it properly and make so it sheds precipitation like snow.

Rain will take it down first...or at least show the 'gathering' spots.

 

[cmom]

I have also used 1"x 1/2" welded wire. It's heavier than hardware cloth. It is pricey too. I'm pretty lucky so far that coons and other predators haven't breached my pens. I do have electric wire around the coops and pens and the predators here know it's there. I have seen them now and then on my game cameras.

 

[Cryss]

I agree 1X.5 is stronger but I have a serious fear/phobia of snakes and I’m not fond of mice.