Netting the Pens

For the first time in the four years we have

been here

hawks have become a threat big enough

to our birds that we decided

it was time to protect them.

We started with different sized pens already enclosed with metal wire Panels.  Hog panels work best.

We used 3/4" PVC Electrical Conduit for the frame.  We bent the Conduit into an arch shape by securing the ends of the Conduit to the panels with Plastic Cable Ties.  Each "Rafter" was spaced aproximately 4' on center.

We connected the Rafters with a Conduit "Ridge" fastened with self drilling screws..

Bird Netting (25' wide) was stretched over the frame and fastened to the

panels with Plastic Cable Ties.  We started working on a 12' wide

pen.  We used 2 1/2 lengths of Conduit per Rafter (25') and glued the joint. 

It bent easily, but felt strong enough to support some weight.

It's worked well and should support some snow load--as well as the odd turkey looking for a place to perch.  We tried wider pens (13'-15') but didn't like the results.  We changed those to approximately 12' wide.

We purchased the Bird Netting from

www.cutlersupply.com

UPDATE

It's been five years since we installed the PVC netting frames.  A couple of harsh New England winters did some damage, snapping  or bending them  from heavy wet snow load, so we upgraded to

Clear Span Round Cold frames from FarmTek

This is a more expensive product but it holds up to any New England winter.

3/4" conduit can be purchased at Home Depot