Retriever dog kennel run or Amazon chicken run?

[Raubkatze]

After our coop project the last few days, my husband has made it very clear that he is DONE with DIY for a while. I'm now looking for a more ready to go and less build from scratch solution for our run.

Does anybody use the Retriever dog kennel as a chicken run? I would plan to put a tarp across the top for weather protection, but do I need to reinforce the actual run itself more, or are the metal bars enough to keep chickens in and predators out? https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...jCd6WlV6BLOpUloD2UIeGNUf3GHPVko4aAmUTEALw_wcB

The other option I am looking at is this run from Amazon. I worry about snow load in my area causing it to collapse, but other than adding tarps for more weather protection it looks fairly ready to go out of the box. https://a.co/d/5dfAfgk

I know none of these options are as great as build ourselves. Eventually we would upgrade, but for now I just need *something* that will keep my chickens safe while also not causing a ton of extra work until tempers cool down.

 

[2ndTink]

I've seen the Retriever panels used, I'm actually considering using something similar to replace 2 of the runs I currently have similar to your Amazon link.

The welded panels will keep your bigger predators out, but you still have to protect them from digging under, and small predators can get through or over if you have things like martins in your area. Wild birds can also get through. But as far as an easy and pretty safe run, they're good.

I have 3 runs from Amazon. One is attached to the coop on one side and a Producer's Pride heavy duty run on thr other, it is fully tarped and has not had any issues. My other two are anchored to the coop, but a windstorm demolished the one and a 6" snowstorm has the other a bit bent. The chicken wire that comes with them isn't very tough, our dog can rip it.

For safety you're best off with the welded panels, but, I do have 1 example of the lighter kind working.

 

[Raubkatze]

I've seen the Retriever panels used, I'm actually considering using something similar to replace 2 of the runs I currently have similar to your Amazon link.

The welded panels will keep your bigger predators out, but you still have to protect them from digging under, and small predators can get through or over if you have things like martins in your area. Wild birds can also get through. But as far as an easy and pretty safe run, they're good.

I have 3 runs from Amazon. One is attached to the coop on one side and a Producer's Pride heavy duty run on thr other, it is fully tarped and has not had any issues. My other two are anchored to the coop, but a windstorm demolished the one and a 6" snowstorm has the other a bit bent. The chicken wire that comes with them isn't very tough, our dog can rip it.

For safety you're best off with the welded panels, but, I do have 1 example of the lighter kind working.

I do plan to put pavers around the base of whatever I get to help ancor it and keep anything that would want to dig under out.

I have the typical predators in my area. Coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and foxes. I also use to have great horned owls that nested nearby, but I haven't seen them in a while. I recently started feeding the crows.

 

[aart]

but for now I just need *something*

Both would need good solid roof framing and the retriever would need smaller mesh.

I do plan to put pavers around the base of whatever I get to help ancor it and keep anything that would want to dig under out.

Pavers won't keep diggers out.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208