Pj homestead

[Pjhomestead]

My nighttime project.

I have our chicken run fully inclosed with 1/2 inch chicken wire around the bottom then netting the rest of the way up and plastic netting over the top to keep the hawks and eagles out. Some of the netting did not survive the winter so I have started to make my own to replace the plastic. It's slow going but its actually relaxing and helps pass the time especially on those nights that I cant seem to sleep.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Oh wow - that's a cool skill!

 

[baymule]

That's like mending fishing nets.

 

[sumi]

That is a very handy skill!

 

[Pjhomestead]

That is a very handy skill!

I learned how to do it a few years ago. I wanted a traditional casting net and decided to try making one. I watched YouTube videos and gave it a try. My first net didn't turn out very good but the next one was much better. I will have to get it out and post a pic

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Can you post a "how to" link to your netting? I have huge issue with hawk predation, even in snow months. Forced me to stop exclusively free ranging. So, part of the run has been turned into a "winter run" with green house tarp over one peaked section and 2 x 4" wire fencing over the rest of that area. After snow season, I put up standard bird netting over the rest of the run, but hate working with the stuff. I think a 2" grid would keep the hawks out. As you know, even 2 x 4 fencing is not impervious to snow build up. I am sometimes out at midnight knocking snow down during a blizzard.

I have a nice fish net frame that needs to be re-netted. So, your skill would be very handy. (I use the fish net to catch birds during processing)

So how did your casting net work? I don't think it's legal to use those here... but... I'm not a fisherwoman, so really don't know the rules and regs. Yet an other skill I need to add to my repertoire.

 

[Pjhomestead]

Can you post a "how to" link to your netting? I have huge issue with hawk predation, even in snow months. Forced me to stop exclusively free ranging. So, part of the run has been turned into a "winter run" with green house tarp over one peaked section and 2 x 4" wire fencing over the rest of that area. After snow season, I put up standard bird netting over the rest of the run, but hate working with the stuff. I think a 2" grid would keep the hawks out. As you know, even 2 x 4 fencing is not impervious to snow build up. I am sometimes out at midnight knocking snow down during a blizzard.

I have a nice fish net frame that needs to be re-netted. So, your skill would be very handy. (I use the fish net to catch birds during processing)

So how did your casting net work? I don't think it's legal to use those here... but... I'm not a fisherwoman, so really don't know the rules and regs. Yet an other skill I need to add to my repertoire.

When I started net making I watched several video's some were better than others. I will try and find the one I liked and post a link

I am very happy with my cast net. I have made a few more since.

 

[Pjhomestead]

I cant find the video I used but this one is not bad.

I tie my knot differently than in the video. This probably wont make sense till you watch the video but when making the net loops you will have 3 lines of twine meet at your mesh gauge. Everything I do is the same as what he does only I add an extra step. When he brings the needle under the right 2 lines he pulls it tight to make the knot. I don't. For my knot once you go under the 2 lines I go around again and put the needle under the first line only then pull tight. The reason I do this is I find that when you only go under the 3 lines the knot can sometimes. I believe the knot he makes is called the sheep bend by adding the extra step it becomes a double sheep bend

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Sweet. Thanks for that video. I may use this info to re-twine my net! Good winter project.

 

[Pjhomestead]

Some pics of the pygmy goats house. It still needs siding and tin on the roof. Which will be done once the weather cooperates freezing rain yesterday and today with the same expected for tomorrow.

Hay feeder on left side once you go in

Right side of door is there water, salt and mineral block and a half wall which provides a wind break to their sleeping area

And behind the half wall is a shelf they sleep on and on the far wall is another door to give me easy access for cleaning

This is Marty and in the center of the roof is s peice of green house sheeting giving them a sky light

Missy says I hope you liked the tour of our house


And so he's not left out Max says hi to