Chicken run building suggestions

[TBone3882]

Last month we had a communication error in the house and lost all but one chicken as the door was left open over night. We were sad but now we are ready to get back in the game.
I want to upgrade my run so it is taller and need some suggestions. I want to make it taller so I can build a run inside of the run, so I may slowly integrate some new chick I've ordered when they are fully feathered.
I found that 1.5" PVC pipe fits over a standard t fence post. I plan to use T fence posts, PVC pipe, and 1/2” hardware cloth. But I'm not sure what would be the best choice of materials. For the PVC pipe, 1.5” seams to be the best size but should I use electical conduit, thin walled PVC, schedule 40 solid or schedule 40 foam core?
Also, I'm going to put PVC up for the trusses, but how far apart would be best? I have access to 3 and 4 ft hardware cloth.
Thank you

 

[cavemanrich]

If you would post some pix, then It would be easier to give suggestions. If you use PVC, be aware that depending on the span, and weight load from all different situations, (leaves, snow, ice) they will sag. The larger/thicker sizes of course would be more sturdy and less likely to sag. It comes down to your choice of using those, or treated lumber. Lumber is also easier to fasten HC to it.
For a run within a run, I suggest just making a lightweight tractor using PVC, and chicken wire. That will be sufficient to integrate your young chickens to older ones. When that is successful, just remove tractor until needed at a later integration process.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Aunt Angus]

First of all, I am so very sorry for your loss!

Secondly, you have a very interesting idea, @TBone3882 . Cavemanrich's tractor suggestion is a good one, and useful for many situations, but I think I know what you mean by "run inside a run." I have a run within a run. My run is a welded wire dog kennel, and I just put in two 4x4s parallel to one wall and ran deer netting between them. I can take it down/store it easily, and my 3 babies are safe from my big girls. If I want to make it permanent, I can use welded wire, hardwarecloth, or even chicken wire (since it'sinside the larger run).

For PVC, def choose the more rigid. Conduit might be good to avoid the sagging cavemanrich mentions, too. Question: How do you plan on attaching the hardware cloth? It's not the usual way ppl build runs, but it may work out well.

 

[TBone3882]

The solid schedule 40 1.5" seams to be the most ridgid, but not sure how it will hold up sun as it is typically underground or in a basement. The electrical conduit is alittle less ridgid but it may hold up to the sun better. Any thoughts or experience on this?
To atattch the hardware cloth I have two ideas. I could tie it down every 4 inches with a stuff wire tie, or simply just screw it to the PVC with a large head screw possibly with a washer.

 

[aart]

If you would post some pix, then It would be easier to give suggestions.

Yes ^^^ please.

And....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Steven Bussell]

I would take a piece about the length you are wanting to use. Set it on some blocks in the sun and see how it goes.
I would think wood would be cheaper and stronger.

 

[PirateGirl]

If you live somewhere it snows, hardware cloth used as the "roof" is going to collect snow and create a lot of weight.

Other thoughts, A-frames and hoop coops allow for a person to be able to stand within a run.

Depending on the overall dimensions of the run, some design ideas may or may not work well.

 

[123RedBeard]

Painting the pvc frame first ... will protect it from the sun ...

How long of a span do you plan on?

You may need to put a "T" or two in the middle with a leg down to the ground to hold it up from sagging ...

I have 1" electrical pvc conduit supported every 5' on the side of a wall ... it sags!

 

[aart]

Painting the pvc frame first ... will protect it from the sun ...

Do you have any experience to recommend a paint that will stick to PVC long term?

 

[123RedBeard]

I just used 100-120 grit sand paper, then regular latex house paint.

So far, so good!