Weather yard and stain

[buster55]

I have read a lot of posts, and this may have been covered, but I can't find it. I am completing my mew and have a couple of questions. The outside is T1-11 plywood. What stain does anyone recommend? Also, I am planning a weathering yard off the mew. I have seen where someone here suggested snow fencing instead of wire. I also found something called poultry fence material. Has anyone used either material and if so what are your thoughts? My mew and weathering yard are in a fenced in area where dogs and cats will not be getting in. I figure possums are nocturnal and hopefully will not present a problem during the day. (My dogs are on the other side of the fence and I the possum that tries. I've found several dead ones that dared. Thanks in advance

[joekoz]

I've had good success with Cabot's Solid Pigment Stain which I have used on my mews which is sided with T-11. On other projects I've used Olympic and Cabot's holds up much better over time.

Here is a picture of my mew.

[buster55]

Thanks. Nice looking mew by the way!

[Falcon Boy]

Personally I would not use poultry fencing or snow fencing. Both have small guage wire which can cut birds feet. The best (in my opinion) would be conduit vertical bars, but many people have moved towards chain link (probably due to cost). I don't have any experience with anything except conduit so I can't comment on the chain link's effectiveness.
BTW- Possums may be a problem at night, as is anything that can dig. I learned this the hard way. If you live somewhere with nocturnal critters (fox/possum) make sure you wire around the outside bottom of your mew so that they cannot dig into it.

[buster55]

Thanks. I have strong chicken wire under the mew and wrapped so possums can't get in. They are here, for sure. Found a dead one in the back yard that my dog got last night. I have concluded that you are correct about the snow fence and poultry fence. As a friend told me, a raccoon or possum will be picking its teeth with hawk bones. So, some sort of chicken wire will be used for the weathering yard. Got my windows built today and will put them in along with the door on the mew this week. The interior, perches, pea gravel and weathering yard are next. Hoping for the inspection next week or the week after. Then the real fun starts, a small dragon on my fist:)

[buster55]

Thanks Scott, I can't find that on the web. Where is a Big Box close by?

[cliff]

Here's a company that makes PVC-coated welded wire in a 1"x2" configuration:

www.ceshepherd.com/

You can contact them to find out who carries it near you.

Cliff.