Predator Proofing my Run

[lynnehd]

Samantha LW, do you use avian netting?

If so, I'll probably use that seeing as it doesn't seem to break/snap easily. I'll put a wooden support in the middle, but where else should I attach the net to. The back fence in this picture is not mine, so I want to make sure I don't have anything attached to it.

Can you steal the swing set to use in the coop for support?

Just kidding.

I think there will need to be some additional sturdy support system to support the avian(aka poultry) netting.
You can use the tree; I use nylon straps around mine to attach the coated wire to, to avoid tree damage. Someone else mentioned using old hoses around a tree.

You mention that you can put a center support piece in. That would be great, but you'll still need something to attach the netting to along the sides, even with zip ties. Maybe zip ties would be OK on the part of the back fence that isn't yours.

I've attached a pic of mine; the tree is in the middle, but the coated wires fans out to the the lower perimeter fence.



The bottom line is that you need some kind of support network for the avian netting.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Thanks lynnehd and to everyone for responding. I will get some avian netting and put it up attached to the trees I have, the permitter fences (maybe not the back one) and with a post in the middle.

I hope it works!

 

[lynnehd]

Thanks lynnehd and to everyone for responding. I will get some avian netting and put it up attached to the trees I have, the permitter fences (maybe not the back one) and with a post in the middle.

I hope it works!

Oh and BTW, a friend has a large blueberry field with netting over it. He used 4x4's every 20 feet (or more?) with a large eye hook in the middle. He ran the support wires through this.

Good luck!

 

[Cluckies]

You could try this as well:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/631861/diy-thread-lets-see-your-inventions/3250

scroll down about 8 posts, it is the one by ceubel

 

[samantha LW]

Samantha LW, do you use avian netting?

If so, I'll probably use that seeing as it doesn't seem to break/snap easily. I'll put a wooden support in the middle, but where else should I attach the net to. The back fence in this picture is not mine, so I want to make sure I don't have anything attached to it.


Here are the best pictures I could take while not going outside (it's raining). Sorry, the trampoline's in the way

Yes, Aviary netting I got it from Amazon. My husband was not amused and told me it would just break but once it got to us and we started putting it up he was impressed by it's strength. I have even had a limb fall on it and it did not break. I do not have supports running through it we just hooked it high on the tree and down to the sides of the fence like a circus tent. We connected it to the fence with zip ties. It has been up for about 8 months without sagging and the longest span is about thirty five feet from tree to front of fence. If my run were smaller I would put in more support though just to be safe. And we may have to go in and do it over time if it starts sagging.

 

[BuffOrps416]

Okay thanks so much! Everyone's ideas are great!

Edited to add smiley face and second sentence.

 

[Cluckies]

Oh, I figured out how to directly link to the one i wanted, so here it is:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/631861/diy-thread-lets-see-your-inventions/3250#post_15631538



edited to fix typo

 

[BuffOrps416]

Thanks! I think I'll probably do that because it's just wires and the snow won't weigh it down.

 

[Blooie]

I know you posted because your main concern is overhead predators, and covering your run has been well covered by others responding. When I enlarged your photo, I saw some other problems, though, that you might need to address as well. First of all, by all means get some covering on there. Those trees, looking at the size of them and where they are located are not your friends. They are a perfect perch for something to just sit and wait for an opportunity. Raccoons are well able to climb the fence of the run, or hide in the canopy of those trees and are more than capable of jumping right into the run. I don't see any kind of apron around the people door into the run. Is there, by chance, something placed in a trench around it to prevent diggers from gaining access to the run? There is a sizable gap all the way around where the door meets the fencing....easy for rats, weasels, and even persistent raccoons to squeeze in. I also wonder if you're aware that predators can reach right in through the chain link, grab a chicken and pull it to them, kill and eat what they can reach of it.

You are wise to be concerned about the raptor you've scared off. But I would urge you not to make the mistake lots of us make and focus so hard on one predator that you don't notice the opportunities for others to take advantage of weak defenses.

 

[BuffOrps416]

I don't have any underground protection and I know I need a better door, but (you can't tell from the photos) I do have metal hardware cloth covering the fences. I don't know where to get a good door or fence though because I bought that one at Lowes because it was the only one that was the right length. Also how exactly do you install underground protection? I'm very sorry I probably sound so ignorant and my run probably looks so awful, but it was the most affordable and nothing has happened until now, so I didn't think it was so urgent, but I see your point and I will fix it as soon as possible.



Edited for grammar