Advice for inexpensive run please

[Sdflynn1965]

The wind destroyed my run and I want to build a new one but cash is tighter at the moment. Any ideas for an inexpensive run that will be effective?

 

[DobieLover]

If wind took down your run, it wasn't built to withstand it and trying to go as inexpensive as possible will result in the same unfortunate situation.
One of the most effective and easiest solutions would be to put up poultry netting and hook it up to a well grounded charger. The wind will blow through but this set up offers no overhead protection.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Does it need to have a solid roof? A simple 16'x8' cattle panel hoop run will be around $300. That is with minimal protection - wrapped in chicken wire and without roofing or tarps on top (a solid roof on it will collapse without extra support). A smaller run will be less, of course.

 

[FrostRanger]

Welded wire and some lumber would be fairly inexpensive. Won't stop raccoons but it'll keep them contained

That or see if you can ask around for old pallets, you can do a lot with them

 

[Sally PB]

Look for materials or for something you could repurpose as a run on Craigslist or other such sites. Tell you neighbors what happened and ask if they have anything they are trying to get rid of that you could repurpose.

The frame of both parts of my run are metal frames that a neighbor was very happy to have us "get out of her way."

 

[Dominique King]

My family used 2x4 beams and chicken wire and we just have to clean the snow that likes to stick to it.
Inside view:

Outside view:

The snow is all gone btw this is just the current photos I have.

We also spread the chicken wire out on the ground for at-least a foot and a half to deter predators who dig.

 

[Dominique King]

We also have chicken wire on top of the run.

We also get very strong winds but it stays put because
one: it is a lot wood
two: a lot of chicken wire
three: we have old wooden blocks on the outside of it to put more weight on the wire on the ground.

If you have any local lumber mills, I would suggest looking at them to see what they have, because generally, (well around where I live anyway) lumber at local lumber mills can be FAR cheaper than at big stores such as Lowes or Home Depot.

 

[Dominique King]

We also used rough sawn lumber from our local mill to make our coop so local lumber mills can be your best friend with chicken projects!

 

[eworms]

Woven wire and tposts are fairly cheap. I've got a 30x30 square around my coop. There's no top protection, but between the coop, some crape myrtles, and a large oak overhead, access by hawks is limited. Some kind of netting could be stretched over top. Wind would pass right through such a run, though it offers little in the way of protection from the summer sun. I rely on the oak for that.

 

[Bawkbok]

For your "inexpensive and effective" requirements, you can check around for used chain link fencing and pick it up pretty inexpensively or check Craigs List or social sites. You might even find it for free if you're willing and able to haul it away. It gets pretty heavy so it would be at least a two person job. It will keep the larger predators out but not mice and snakes depending on where you live and what the situation is. You could cover it with garden mesh which would prevent squirrels and birds from getting in and stealing feed. I saw a 50 foot roll of garden shade mesh at TSC for $35 or if any of your neighbors are gardeners you can ask for remnants. Just trying to offer some out of the box ideas. Good luck.