Building A Chicken Run: Utilizing Your House's Structure

Building a chicken run is a great way to give your chickens a safe and secure outdoor space to roam and exercise. A chicken run is typically an enclosed area attached to a chicken coop, where chickens can be protected from predators and kept safe from extreme weather conditions. When building a chicken run, it is important to consider factors such as the number of chickens, the size and layout of the run, the type of fencing and roofing materials, and the placement in relation to the sun or shade. Constructing a chicken run can be a rewarding project, and with careful planning and the right tools, you can create a happy and healthy environment for your feathered friends.

Planning and designing the chicken run

Planning and designing a chicken run require careful consideration of various factors to ensure the safety and comfort of the chickens. Here are some essential guidelines for planning and designing a chicken run attached to an existing house:

Space Requirements:

The space requirements for your chicken run will depend on the size of your flock. The general rule is to provide a minimum of 10 square feet of outdoor run space for each chicken. For example, if you plan to keep 10 chickens, you should build a pen that offers at least 100 square feet of space. It is advisable to build bigger, especially if you intend to expand your flock in the future.

Location and Climate Considerations:

The location of your chicken run should take into account the climate you live in. In warmer climates, it is crucial to provide shade for your chickens, as temperatures above 90 °F (32 °C) can be harmful to them. Ensure the run has tree cover or another consistent shade source. If there are no existing trees, consider planting some near the run. Conversely, in cooler climates, allow full sun exposure for the run, as chickens can easily adapt to the cold. If you experience extreme highs and lows, aim for a balance between sun and shade.

Materials and Construction:

When it comes to materials, you can use wood, hardware cloth, chicken wire, screws, nails, staples, and roofing materials like recycled metal, tarps, or plastic panels. Before starting construction, create a detailed plan and a cutting list of the required materials. You can refer to old poultry textbooks for chicken run plans and designs. Once you have your materials, lay out boards on the ground to visualize the shape and size of the run, ensuring it is not long and narrow but provides ample room for roaming.

Security and Predator-Proofing:

To protect your chickens from predators, sink fence posts along the perimeter, spacing them about 6 to 8 feet apart. Use concrete to ensure the posts are firmly set in place. Wrap the perimeter with chicken wire, burying it at least 4 inches into the ground, and continue it over the top of the run to prevent aerial predators. For added security, bury hardware cloth or chicken wire along the perimeter to prevent digging. Consider placing the run on bricks to stop foxes from digging underneath.

Additional Features:

You can enhance your chicken run by adding roosting bars, which provide an elevated playground for your chickens and help keep their feet warm during freezing temperatures. Don't forget to include a feeder and waterer inside the run, covering the feeder with foil to protect the food. If your coop has sufficient space, you can keep the food and water inside. Ensure the chickens can comfortably access the coop through a small door for laying eggs and taking shelter during inclement weather.

Remember, building a chicken run is a customizable process, and you can adjust the design to fit your specific needs and the number of chickens you plan to keep.

Building materials and tools

Building a chicken run requires a variety of materials and tools, depending on the size and design of your structure. Here is a comprehensive list of materials and tools you will need to build a secure and functional chicken run:

Building Materials

• Wooden fence posts, preferably 4x4s, to create a sturdy framework for your chicken run.
• Concrete mix, such as Quikrete, to secure the fence posts in place.
• Welded wire fencing, either 1/2" or 1", to enclose the chicken run and protect your chickens from predators.
• Staples, specifically U-shaped nails or fencing staples, to attach the welded wire fencing to the framework.
• Hardware cloth, a strong metal fencing material with small openings (1/2" to 1/4"), to reinforce the structure and prevent predators from digging in.
• Chicken wire or rabbit fencing can be used in conjunction with hardware cloth for added protection. Regular chicken wire is not sufficient on its own.
• Plastic panels or a tarp for the roof to provide shelter from the elements and keep out moisture.
• Wooden beams, such as 2x4s, for the frame and roof support.
• A door, preferably a sturdy screen door, to allow chickens access to the run.

Tools

• Shovel or post hole digger to dig holes for the fence posts.
• Hammer for hammering the fence posts into the ground and attaching staples.
• Saw for cutting wooden beams and other materials.
• Wood nails and screws of various sizes to secure the wooden beams and attach the door.
• Cordless screwdriver or screw gun to fasten screws efficiently.
• Level to ensure the fence posts are straight and evenly spaced.
• Measuring tape to measure distances and plan the layout of the chicken run.
• Staple gun to attach hardware cloth or wire fencing securely.
• Wire snips or heavy-duty scissors to cut hardware cloth or wire fencing.
• Paint and paintbrush/roller to preserve and decorate the wood.

It is important to plan the size and layout of your chicken run before gathering all the necessary materials and tools, as the quantities may vary depending on the scale of your project.

Constructing the frame

Planning and Materials

Start by planning the layout of your chicken run. It is recommended to have at at least 10 square feet of outdoor space per chicken. Sketch out the shape and size of the run, considering the number of chickens you have and allowing for future growth. Create a cutting list of the materials you will need, including wood, hinges, latches, screws, nails, poultry netting, and staples.

Building the Frame

Begin constructing the frame by laying out boards on the ground to visualize the size and shape of your run. You can then start digging holes for your fence posts. Ensure the holes are deep enough, approximately 12 inches (30 cm) to 1 foot (30 cm) deep. Use a level to ensure the posts are straight, and space them evenly about 6 to 8 feet apart. Consider the placement of your gate and position two posts closer together there.

Hammer the posts into the holes securely. You can use concrete to ensure the posts are firmly in place. Now, nail the boards across the top of the posts to create the frame. If you're using ''chicken run panels'', cut your wood into equally sized pieces, and then screw them together to form the frame.

Enclosing the Run

Once the frame is built, you can enclose the sides and roof. Hardware cloth or chicken wire can be used for this. Secure the cloth or wire with screws and staples. Ensure you bury the wire at least 4 inches (10 cm) into the ground to prevent predators from digging in. You can also use plastic panels for the roof, providing shade and protection from the elements.

Final Steps

After constructing the frame and enclosing the run, you can move on to the next steps, including adding a door, painting, and any other finishing touches. Remember to always measure twice and cut once to ensure your chicken run is sturdy and secure.

Adding the roof and walls

Adding a roof to your chicken run is essential to keeping the elements out and maintaining a dry, clean, and safe space for your chickens.

If you're building a run off an existing house, you'll likely want to use the wall of the house as one side of the run, and build the other three sides. You can use a variety of materials for the roof, such as recycled metal, tarpaulin, plywood, or plastic panels.

First, determine the size and shape of your chicken run. A good rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of 10 square feet of outdoor run space per chicken. Once you've decided on the size, you can start constructing the frame. Use wooden posts or beams to create the structure, ensuring they are securely anchored in the ground or attached to the existing house wall.

For the roof, you can use 2x4s or 4x4s as the outer frame, with plywood or plastic panels for the roof itself. Ensure the roof has a slight pitch or lean to allow rainwater and snow to run off. You can cover the roof with tarpaulin to add an extra layer of protection from the elements.

Don't forget to add chicken wire along the roof edge by the trusses to keep predators out. You can also bury hardware cloth or chicken wire around the perimeter of the run to prevent predators from digging in.

Finally, paint the structure to preserve the wood and add an aesthetic touch.

Final touches and accessories

Once the chicken run is built, there are several final touches and accessories to consider. Firstly, ensure the run is well-covered to protect the chickens from the elements and potential predators. This could involve adding a tarp or a roof made of recycled metal or plastic panels. Chicken wire is also essential to enclose the structure, and hardware cloth can be used to bury along the perimeter to prevent predators from digging in.

For the chickens' comfort and well-being, consider adding roosting bars, especially if you experience below-freezing temperatures. These provide a place for chickens to perch and keep their feet warm. Additionally, waterers are crucial to providing clean, fresh water to the flock. Different types are available, such as portable fountain-type drinkers or bell-type drinkers that can be attached to a water line. If you live in a cold climate, a waterer with a heated base can prevent the water from freezing.

To enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the chicken run, you can add decorative and practical accessories. For example, stylish wall hooks can be used to hold egg buckets and feed scoops, while lidded buckets can store extra feed. Proper lighting can also be beneficial, such as a chandelier to encourage year-round laying. If you plan to hatch chicks, a heating element like a heat lamp and a brooder thermometer are essential to monitor and maintain the ideal temperature for their survival.

Finally, don't forget to add a door to the chicken run to allow the chickens to move between the run and the coop. You can build your own door or purchase a pre-made one. Ensure the door has a secure latch that can be easily operated from both inside and outside the run.

Frequently asked questions