Adapting the run for worse weather...

[pinksleepybear]

Hi All,

I've got 4 Sussex-cross in a walk-in aviary style run. The side panels are covered in weldmesh. Last month's heavy rain and strong winds have caused some problems with the Rapport bedding which covers the run floor. As there was so much rain coming in through the sides of the run, the bedding got soaked and then stayed that way with no chance to dry out. I've seen some pics of WIA runs with roll-up 'blinds' of clear plastic, which can be lowered when the weather is really rubbish, but kept up and out of the way the rest of the time.

Can anyone advise how to make these? I was looking at clear shower-curtain material, but I'm not sure these would be robust enough.

TIA,
PSB

[MartinRSharpe]

B&Q do packs of polythene in their gardening department that is designed for cloche type items.

B&Q Polythene Sheet 6m x 2m, 0000003713228

Could that be pinned up on one side to give some protection?

[veggiechicken]

I used to have semi-rigid clear plastic sheets, about 2' high, lining the bottom of the run, permanently. Seemed to keep the worst of the rain out.

[VirginVegGrower]

We used to put tarps on that had eyelets, which we hooked onto screw Mr VVG had put along the top. Worked great but they are not clear. I really appreciate my Omlet covers which fix with bungees.

[pinksleepybear]

Thanks for the advice, all. I think the polythene might not be robust enough, but I have found some strong clear tarp, which was recommended over on the omlet forum. I just need to decide if I'm brave/foolish enough to attempt some sort of rollerblind or if I just tack it down using ties through the eyelets when it's raining....

I did find a tarp zip which can be attached by gluing it into the tarp. This will be great if I can use it as the door is on the most exposed side of the run. If I can put a couple of zips either side, I can use a single piece of tarp to cover the whole side and keep it a bit drying than attempting to use three smaller pieces..

[VirginVegGrower]

Why don't you find a curtain maker to punch you some eyelets in, then put screws into your wood and hook them top and bottom or even stitch some ties on using clear fishing thread?!

[RichmondHens]

Assuming your run doesn't have a concrete base, why not dig it out to a depth of about 4 - 6 " and back fill with sharp sand or woodchip. This will drain well after heavy rain and be much cleaner for the birds. If you want to keep the weather out temporarily find an old door or similar and prop it against the aviary on the side of the prevailing weather. Obviously being moveable as the wind changes you can move the door around to always provide a little shelter and remove it completely on still, dry days. I would think faffing around with shower curtain type screens would be fiddly and also not terribly robust if you get a lot of windy weather.