Constructing A Chicken Run Using Pallets: Easy Steps

Building a chicken run out of pallets is a great way to create a cheap and recycled chicken coop extension. Pallets are readily available for free and can be used to create a DIY fence extension for your chickens to have more room to roam. You can create a chicken tractor, which is a movable chicken cage, allowing you to move your chickens around the yard. To build a chicken run, you will need to measure and cut the pallets to fit your space, create a gate, and attach chicken wire to keep your chickens in and safe from predators.

Planning your chicken run

Budgeting and Material Sourcing

Pallets are a cost-effective option for building a chicken run, as they are often readily available for free. You can usually find discarded pallets outside large grocery and department stores. It is important to select pallets that are still more or less intact, ensuring they can provide a stable structure. Additionally, look for pallets marked with "HT," indicating they have been heat-treated, as untreated pallets may contain poisonous substances.

Structural Design

The number of pallets you need will depend on the size of your chicken run. A good starting point is to have around four pallets to create the basic structure or "skeleton." You may also need additional pallets for scrap wood, especially if you plan to build nesting boxes or other features. Measure your pallets and the space you have available to determine how to lay them out effectively. Don't be afraid to cut pallets to size if needed.

Functionality and Comfort

Consider the functionality and comfort of your chicken run. For example, you may want to include a gate or door for easy access. Determine the size of the opening and consider the possibility of moving large items in and out. Additionally, think about ventilation, as it is crucial for the health of your chickens, especially in hot and humid weather. You can add hardware cloth ventilation or a removable top to improve airflow.

Predator and Pest Prevention

Ensuring your chicken run is secure is essential. You can use chicken wire or welded wire to enclose the structure, preventing pests and predators from entering while also keeping your chickens contained. Consider lining the top of the structure with wire to deter flying pests and chickens from escaping.

Aesthetics and Customization

Finally, you can customize the aesthetics of your chicken run. Consider painting or staining the pallets to enhance their appearance and protect the wood. You can also add features like planter boxes on top, providing both a decorative touch and additional growing space.

Sourcing pallets

Pallets are readily available for free or at a low cost. You can usually find them outside large grocery and department stores. Look for the oldest, ugliest pallets that are still more or less intact. The ideal size is 4x8 flat pallets, but the size is flexible. It is easier to work with four pallets of the same size, but you can also use a fifth one for scrap wood.

Make sure the pallets are marked with "HT", which stands for "heat-treated". Pallets that are not heat-treated may be treated with a poisonous substance.

Once you have your pallets, measure them to figure out how to lay them out to fit your space. You may need to cut a pallet in half to make it fit your area.

Constructing the base

To begin construction, you will need around four wooden pallets to create the base structure. Measure your pallets and determine how to lay them out to fit your desired space. Depending on the size and shape of your area, you may need to cut some pallets in half or adjust their size accordingly. Ensure the pallets are level and secure, creating a stable foundation for your chicken run.

Once you have your pallets in place, you can start building the framework for the chicken run. Using wooden posts or beams, create a square or rectangular structure by connecting the posts at the corners. You can use 2x4 wooden pieces to connect the posts at the base and ensure they are level. This will provide stability and support for the structure.

At this stage, you can also decide on the height of your chicken run. You may want to make the front and back posts different heights to create a slanted roof. For example, the front posts can be 7 feet tall, while the back posts are 6 feet tall. This will give your chicken run a triangular shape when viewed from the side.

After constructing the base framework, you can add additional features such as a door or nesting boxes. Cut out an opening for the door, ensuring it is large enough for your needs. You can also add braces to the walls to prevent them from collapsing, especially if you are using heavy pallets or live in a windy area.

Building the walls

Planning:

Before you begin construction, it's important to measure your space and pallets to determine how many pallets you'll need and how to lay them out efficiently. Keep in mind that you may need to cut some pallets in half or tear them apart for scrap wood, depending on your space. It's also important to choose pallets that are marked with "HT," indicating they are heat-treated and safe for your chickens.

Constructing the Base:

Start by building a sturdy base for your walls. You can use wooden posts or pallets to create a square or rectangular frame. Ensure that your base is level and secure before moving on to the next step.

Attaching the Pallets:

Once your base is ready, it's time to attach your pallets to create the walls. Secure the pallets firmly to the base, bracing them to prevent collapsing. You may need to cut openings for doors or adjust the pallets to fit your desired layout.

Adding Stability:

To enhance the stability of your walls, consider connecting the top corners of the front and back posts with wooden beams. This will provide additional support and ensure the structure's integrity.

Enclosing the Walls:

If desired, you can enclose the walls further by attaching chicken wire or welded wire to the pallet frame. This adds security and protection while still allowing airflow and visibility. Ensure that you do not attach wire to the end where you plan to place the door.

Personalization:

Feel free to personalize your chicken run by painting or decorating the pallets. You can also add features like nesting boxes, roosting bars, or planter boxes on top to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space.

Adding the finishing touches

Once the structure of your chicken run is in place, you can add the finishing touches. First, ensure you have a secure gate. If you want to construct the gate hinge from a pallet, you can follow a design that keeps the gate from being pushed out from the tractor frame. However, this can be tricky, so an easier option is to use two hinges and a latch to attach the gate.

Next, coat the chicken tractor and the gate with chicken wire. This will keep your chickens in and cats out. You can attach the wire with an air staple gun, but many different methods can be used. The more tension you put on the wire while stapling, the nicer the coop will look.

Now, you can add some attractive welded wire to the top of the structure, which will help keep your chickens from flying away. You can also top this with wood to tie into the pallet fence look.

Finally, consider adding some nest boxes, roosting bars, and feeders inside the chicken run. You can make nest boxes out of crates, and hang feeders and roosting bars from the walls.

Frequently asked questions