Help needed building a chicken run

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This is a rough idea of how it will look. Of course it will have a removable top.

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Paul
 
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Steve, this is a great plan for you, especially using ALL 1/2-inch hardware cloth for sides AND top. Also, at least six inches of sand; occasionally spread diatomaceous earth over it and you'll never have a problem. Throw in some bird seed everyday, and the chickens will scratch and covered any and all poo.
You might also check my BYC Page for some other ideas.

EDIT: Yes, initially it costs more to use all 1/2-inch hardware cloth, but it's worth every penny for MANY years knowing that NOTHING is going to get your chickens (as long as you don't leave the gate open some night... knock on wood).
 
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When it come to chickens there are so many different ways people do thier coops and run. Nothing is wrong as long as they keep em safe. Here is mine

I didn't cover the top but I ran an electric fence along the top of my fence after taking these pics
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33744_dsc04668.jpg

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this is mine, and I used a 10x10 kennel, added chcken wire on top so my flock can roost up high on the branches and they wont fly out...attached a recycled privacy fence coop we bult, area under the coop for them to get away and keep cool

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the crooked tarp I havent fixed is to shade them from the sun that comes in on that side...its basically under a few trees...and that tin you see sitting with the white bucket...I had used to cover for something, forgot what, but that bucket and tin dont belong there...
 
Wow, what great feedback! Thanks to everyone for your posts. I've made notes and will be planning my permanent run for construction in the spring.

For now I've taken the path of least resistance and built an enclosure from seven foot metal posts and plastic poultry netting.

Predators are not a big problem here in the city, in a fenced yard. The chickens seem happy and I haven't had to chase anyone down for a few days now which makes me happy.

Thanks again for all the great ideas and come spring when I build mine I'll be sure to post a picture.

Steve
 
I agree about using 1/2" gauge hardware cloth. You're going to be building a substantial structure anyway and the investment is worth making. Ours is here, along with a link to how we built the run

Good luck with the long-term version and remember that you need to keep out raccoons, rats, other rodents and dogs in the city.
 
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I'm sure soon I will be in your shoes. I have 4pullets. They are anticipating the completion of the 4x8 coo/run enclsure. They are in cramped quarters now so this will be great for them for a while. The run is 4x8 and a ladder will lead them to the roost nest house above. All enclosed. My husband built it, it's very sturdy. I plan to make a run with cow panels that I can place in front of a door so they can get out. Free ranging is not an option. It can be moved around. But when I can't be home they need to stay in the 4x8 coop. I feel so bad that its taking so long to complete but weather and an unrelated injury delayed work. We just need to complete the ladder and entry way to the roost. My poor peeps are ready to move in. The are 3 months now. Good luck on your run.
 
Goldilocks I Love your set up! I am just starting to build my run now. Wondering if you used the same wire for the roof? I have lots of hawks, but worry about snow getting through the wire.
 
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We used cattle panels attached to 8 metal fence posts driven into the ground. We covered that with chicken wire, then added hardware cloth up almost 3 feet on the sides and a little over a foot out, as an apron against diggers. We also ran hardware cloth up the sides and extending out into an apron on the coop itself. As a decorative touch we added white lattice along the front and a shorter section on the south side because we're in town and our set up is very visible from the street. We live in Northern Wyoming, where we get a lot of heavy winds - 60 mph is not uncommon - and it's held up beautifully. My favorite things are that we can stand upright in it for doing chicken chores, and cattle panels are not very expensive in case we decide to expand in it in the future. Everyone here has been giving you some fantastic ideas!



 
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