Extending Run Tips!

[Jana912]

Hello! I am looking to add a few to my flock of 5, and I would like to extend my chicken run to accommodate the additions. I have attached a photo of my coop and run when it was first completed last spring. Does anyone have any simple tips of how I would extend this without it being a huge project? I am looking for it to be extended length wise at the end, or to come out in front (window side).

 

[cavemanrich]

Nice secure run and coop.
The easiest thing that comes to my mind,,,,,, is adding your addition to the far end outward. I am judging from viewing, that your run is about 8 feet x 8 feet. (not counting the portion under coop. Extend same amount into the grass portion on the far end with Chain link fence. 4 foot high. Then secure the top with welded wire stretched across. You will end up with a secure portion of run,,, just not covered with overhead roof. Make a close-able gate into new run portion on one corner of your existing run structure. Maybe 3 foot wide, by 4 foot high. Open and close access to new area as you desire. During fowl weather,, chickens can choose not to venture to open area on their own. You can still get inside the 4 foot portion,, although bent over to 4 foot height.

Another option that is quite simple is to make your addition with cattle panels. They are 54 inches wide by 16 feet. The pix below looks like it is a 2 panel structure.

With the base 8 feet wide, you would be able to walk more comfortably inside. I suggest adding the welded wire or hardware cloth on top of hoop, for security from predators.
You could add a top tarp onto above,,,, but do have to consider winter snow load. There are ways to add additional interior support to deal with that as well.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[mowin]

How many chicken's total? You might want to add to both coop and run.

 

[Jana912]

I wish I had a picture straight on instead of from an angle, but the coop is actually pretty large, window side its about 8 feet long and 4 feet in height). Facing the door, its 48x50. While roosting the chickens I currently have don't even take up half the roosting bar.

 

[mowin]

I wish I had a picture straight on instead of from an angle, but the coop is actually pretty large, window side its about 8 feet long and 4 feet in height). Facing the door, its 48x50. While roosting the chickens I currently have don't even take up half the roosting bar.

Your coop is 4x8, which is 32sqf. Rule of thumb is 4sqf per bird of unobstructed floor space. Not including nest boxes.
Where about are you located?