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

 

[LB0002]

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.

That Amazon run is the exact one we are considering as well. Looking for reviews!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

This is a personal preference thing. I use a very large chain link dog kennel, run. I don't have a cover over it. My chickens are locked up safe at night in the coop and feed is dry because I have a large overhang, added to my coop. So my preference is that because they free range most days, stay in very spacious kennel some days, they are not 100% protected from predators. I have additional loose fence wire at the top of the kennel panels which makes it too hard for anything like racoon to crawl over but I suppose a super determined one could. In 20+ years I've only lost 1 to a predator, Owl, so this works for me. It's really up to you.

 

[StacyT]

I have one similar to the one you’re looking at from Amazon. They are junk. You’re gonna have to replace everything except the frame to make it predators proof. The material that it’s made of is cheap plastic that easily breaks and isn’t good for anything other than keeping the chickens contained.

I have the retriever run and I also ordered the side extension kit to make it larger. I also ordered the roof cover to enclose the top. I use the setup to contain my very large dogs and it’s solid. I have put chickens in there on occasion if I needed to isolate someone and didn’t have room in a spare run. While it contained the chickens no problem the top isn’t predator proof. A raccoon could easily get through the top unless you add some hardware cloth.

 

[Raubkatze]

That Amazon run is the exact one we are considering as well. Looking for reviews!

I did end up going with the Amazon run. We have it up. Putting the fence was a huge PITA. Lots of cuts and scrapes on our fingers. It was hard to wear gloves and still have enough dexterity to attach the fencing to the structure. Took us 2 days to put it all together. We need to redo the roof with something to help support our snow load. Other than that we are happy with it. I don't have the chickens out in it yet though, so that might change.

 

[LB0002]

I did end up going with the Amazon run. We have it up. Putting the fence was a huge PITA. Lots of cuts and scrapes on our fingers. It was hard to wear gloves and still have enough dexterity to attach the fencing to the structure. Took us 2 days to put it all together. We need to redo the roof with something to help support our snow load. Other than that we are happy with it. I don't have the chickens out in it yet though, so that might change.

Does the frame seem sturdy? We will need to strengthen for snow as well. I ordered two of the 13ft ones to put back to back so we have 26 feet and 2 doors. We plan to put the coop on one side and block off a clean area to get eggs and for us to come and go without the chickens escaping.

 

[GodLovesU]

I use retriever panels. I just put netting on the top, and have the panels partially buried.