What to cover run with for predator protection

[jamie551]

I have a 8'x16' run that I currently have covered with snow fence. That has so far deterred the hawks, but of course would be easy for a raccoon to get through. What do most people cover their runs with? Do you just use the same fencing you used for the sides? Main concerns here are hawks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and opossums.... and probably other things I haven't thought of! lol

 

[jreardon1918]

Our run is 8 x 8 the sides are hardware cloth. The roof is painted plywood. Under the coop is hardware cloth. In the spring the run will double in size. Same general setup. The run stays dry. Even in the extreme cold, the run bedding has stayed soft.

 

[Dayrel]

Hardware cloth is the standard for well-defended coops: 1/2" x 1/2".

Make sure it is well-anchored to the frame, not just stapled on. Generally staples, plus some nails with washers.

Also, have about a 1 to 1 1/2 foot skirt around the base- either on the ground or dug down into the ground to protect against diggers.

 

[PirateGirl]

my run is covered with welded wire fencing

 

[cebbell]

We cover ours with welded wire, too. We also put a plastic lattice panel over it for extra shade in the hot West Texas summers. However, just welded wire keeps the bad guys out perfectly.

 

[Folly's place]

Any cover will keep raptors out, but other predators require that 1/2" hardware cloth, or at least 2"x4" woven wire fencing, well secured. In snow country, with very good framing.
I got tired of shoveling snow in the run, and had it roofed a couple of years ago. Wonderful!
Mary

 

[blackdog043]

Mine is covered with Tuftex polycarb panels. Right now some of the Lowes stores has certain colors and sizes on sale. Mine has the 2 x 8 smoke panels for $5.49 each
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tuftex-Pol...ated-PolyCarbonate-Plastic-Roof-Panel/3043411

 

[aart]

My run is 14ga 2x4 WW...
.only for daytime use and I am home 95% of the time and within sight of run.
Lots of hawks here, have seen more than several bounce off and be foiled.
Saw it deflect 6 canine(coyote and fox) attempts last summer.

 

[PirateGirl]

Mine is covered with Tuftex polycarb panels. Right now some of the Lowes stores has certain colors and sizes on sale. Mine has the 2 x 8 smoke panels for $5.49 each
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tuftex-Pol...ated-PolyCarbonate-Plastic-Roof-Panel/3043411

I got excited when I saw this because I want some for my run (and clear for the garden box) and at my store they are $21! Boo! That's a huge price difference.

 

[Medda]

@aart what did you use for your supports on the run?
Thanks, Sharon