Protecting Your Laying Pens with Shelterflex: Essential Windproofing Solution

When game rearing in Britain, you are constantly battling the weather, especially if you are using outdoor pens.

The structures are always exposed to wind, rain and cold temperatures, with the occasional show from the sun now and then. Of course, this not only impacts the structural integrity of your laying pens but also impacts bird health, egg production, and overall welfare of your birds.

Thankfully, our Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting offers protection from all that the British weather can throw at us. This helps to keep your birds happy, healthy and safe in their pens as they grow.

At Collins Nets, we stock four different sizes so you can get the perfect size for your pen. Our Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting is the best on the market, and with over 35 years of experience supplying the game-rearing industry with essentials, you can trust us to provide only the best for you and your birds.

Here, we share why you should be using this solution to protect your laying pens.

Introducing our Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting

Shelterflex Sheeting is a clear plastic that usually sits on top of the netting structure of your laying pens.

The plastic is reinforced with polyethylene yarn with reinforcement webbing and tear-resistant eyelets, making it 100% waterproof and durable, so it will be able to withstand the wind and rain we are so used to in the UK.

Finally, the sheeting is UV stabilised, so when we do get sunshine, the UV rays won’t damage it.

But, while providing all this protection, it also allows approximately 70% light transmission so your birds can enjoy the natural light they need to thrive.

We know that your laying pens will differ in size depending on how many chicks you are rearing, so we offer this sheeting in two standard sizes and two cut to length sizes which is charged per metre:

• 2 metre x 45 metres
• 1.1 x 45 meters
• 1.1 metre x cut to length
• 2 metre x cut to length

Benefits of Using Shelterflex for Laying Pens

So, why should you be using the Shelterflex Sheeting to protect your laying pens?

• Weather Protection: It shields birds from strong winds, rain, and harsh sunlight.
• Temperature Control: It can help maintain a stable environment, reducing stress in birds.
• Durability & Longevity: It is made from high-quality materials designed for long-term outdoor use.
• Ease of Installation: It can easily be fixed to existing pen structures for instant protection.
• Predator Protection: The strength provides protection from wild birds, reducing mortality rates and food loss.

How to Use Shelterflex Effectively

As mentioned above, it can easily be fitted to existing structures. In fact, this makes installation very easy.

There are several ways you can use this sheeting to meet your laying pen setups or needs.

Full Coverage

You can create a solid waterproof barrier around the whole of your laying pen by attaching the sheeting over the netting using timber battens, cable ties, or bungee cords.

If you do this, you will need to make sure that there is a slight angle so that water can run off.

The benefit of full coverage is that the laying pen will get complete weatherproofing, so you won’t need to worry about the structure or your birds in poor weather or harsh heat conditions.

Partial Coverage

If you want to make sure your birds have enough ventilation, you can leave some of it open and uncovered to create partial coverage with Shelterflex Sheeting.

This will allow good airflow through the pen while also providing shade and shelter when needed.

The sheeting will be fixed in the same way as it would be for full coverage, with timber battens, cable ties, or bungee cords.

Temporary or Roll-Up Covering

If you use temporary or mobile pens, Shelterflex Sheeting will also work on these, thanks to the easy installation.

This means that while up, your laying pens will have the same level of protection as permanent pens have.

Final thoughts on Pen Protection with Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting

Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting is a great addition to your laying pens, but don’t take it as an alternative to netting.

You will still need laying pen netting for the structure of the pen.

We appreciate this can be difficult with the changing British weather, but where possible, plan ahead and in line with seasonal changes so that your pens have the best protection when they need it.

In hot weather, make sure the pen has enough:

• Ventilation and airflow
• Shelter and shade
• Water
• Feed

Meanwhile, in winter, you will need to ensure the pen:

• Is insulated and protected
• Has enough bedding and warmth
• Has feeders and drinkers that won’t freeze
• Has supplementary lighting to make up for shorter days

Order Your Shelterflex Waterproof Sheeting Today

With game bird breeding and rearing season just around the corner, you want to be as organised as possible.

As all game rearers will be getting their laying pens ready, don’t miss your opportunity to get your Shelterflex Sheeting.

Order what you need online today:

• 2 metre x 45 metres
• 1.1 x 45 meters
• 1.1 metre cut length – per metre
• 2 metre x per metre

If you want to learn more about using this sheeting, don’t hesitate to call 01308 485422, and our expert team can give you any guidance you might be looking for.