100% Urban Predator proof Chicken Run

[Folly's place]

You are doing a LOT of work here! I do question your run height; six feet? Are you all short enough to stand upright in there? Higher would be much better for many people. Mary

 

[Daox13]

You are doing a LOT of work here! I do question your run height; six feet? Are you all short enough to stand upright in there? Higher would be much better for many people. Mary

I'm 5' 7" and my wife is shorter... I was thinking 7' but 6' is perfect for my stature

and instead of having to get 10' 4x4s I only have to get 8'

but yes, the guy in the pictures helping who is 6' 1" grumbled a little bit, but hey he is used to hitting his head

 

[Folly's place]

Hi again! 5'7" in a 6' run on deep litter might be a problem. Mary

 

[Folly's place]

A couple more inches in height could happen with framing at the top. Mary

 

[Intheswamp]

5'7" human height + 6' run height + 5+" deep litter = knots on the head

 

[mramericauna]

While a few more inches wouldnt have hurt (yes pun intended) I have never seen anyone use a shovel or pitch fork or any other full handle garden tool standing completely upright.

 

[Intheswamp]

While a few more inches wouldnt have hurt (yes pun intended) I have never seen anyone use a shovel or pitch fork or any other full handle garden tool standing completely upright.

But I've seen a lot of folks who pause a moment while shoveling/forking to lean back and straighten up to give their back a break...

Low head clearance is really aggravating....bumping heads, banging tools into it, etc., but as long as the individual is ok with it then no worries. Just while in the building stage it's good to consider these things...later on it can be more difficult to correct/modify.

Ed

 

[Daox13]

But I've seen a lot of folks who pause a moment while shoveling/forking to lean back and straighten up to give their back a break...

Low head clearance is really aggravating....bumping heads, banging tools into it, etc., but as long as the individual is ok with it then no worries. Just while in the building stage it's good to consider these things...later on it can be more difficult to correct/modify.

Ed

Well let me put it this way. 6' 4x4 post, 2' hole 3-4" of gravel at the bottom of the hole for drainage and you end up with a 6.4' height, minimal litter, I won't be doing deep litter in the run only in the coop itself. Plus I will also be doing a removable panel towards the end to ensure easy clean out when needed. But yes I could 100% see how the height typically would be an issue. B ut if I have planned correctly it should leave me with a 4-5" of clearance and that is more than enough for me

 

[Intheswamp]

Well let me put it this way. 6' 4x4 post, 2' hole 3-4" of gravel at the bottom of the hole for drainage and you end up with a 6.4' height, minimal litter, I won't be doing deep litter in the run only in the coop itself. Plus I will also be doing a removable panel towards the end to ensure easy clean out when needed. But yes I could 100% see how the height typically would be an issue. B ut if I have planned correctly it should leave me with a 4-5" of clearance and that is more than enough for me

Well, actually 8' post, but I knew what you meant...

Will you have a human door going into the run? Your top rail will be made out of..2x? Subtract that from the height, too, 'cause your head's gotta clear it, too. If no run door, then no worry.

Like I said, if you're happy with it, go for it. Lot's easier to add a foot now rather than later, though.

Whatever you do, enjoy the process and the finished product!!!!! Have fun!!!!

Ed

 

[Folly's place]

Spend a bit more and change to a sloping roof rather than flat, so you will have more clearance, and the ability to add a tarp or solid roof later. Mary