Secure Cover and Barrier Options for Quarantine Run

[EggHatchHobbyist]

Im setting up a chain-link run to use as a quarantine space for new hens and later as a secure area when we're away for the weekend. Since the run is in a shaded spot, I dont want to use tin for the roof. Would something like an old soccer net work as a cover to keep predators out?

Also, I have some heavy plastic garden netting with 1/2 holeswould this be a good alternative to hardware cloth for reinforcing the lower part of the fence? Id love to hear your thoughts on whether these materials would be secure enough. Thanks!

[TheEggMaven]

Have you thought about using welded wire instead of a soccer net? It's stronger but still lets in light and airflow.

[BackyardBanter]

Hardware cloth is expensive, but it's worth the investment. I've lost birds to raccoons before, and I'd never trust plastic netting to keep them safe.

[NestArchitect]

I tried plastic garden netting once, and it didn't hold up well,raccoons shredded it in one night. I'd go with hardware cloth for sure.

[FluffyFeatherFiend]

If it's just for short-term quarantine, the soccer net might work as long as you're locking the birds up securely at night.

[DownyDreamer]

A soccer net might keep aerial predators out, but raccoons and other climbers could easily chew or tear through it. I'd go with welded wire or hardware cloth for better security.

[CoopRebel]

I use bird netting on top of my run, but only because my main concern is hawks. If you have raccoons, foxes, or opossums in your area, they could easily tear through it.

[PeckingPal]

A net might help keep hawks out, but it won't stop raccoons from climbing in. You might want to use hardware cloth or welded wire for better security.

[ChickMagnet]

If you want a lightweight cover, you might try deer netting or poultry netting instead of a soccer net. Still, predators could get through it if they really try.

[GoldenComb]

The plastic garden netting won't stop predators like weasels or rats. Hardware cloth is the safest option for the bottom half of the run.