Sophie Bennett
Raising chickens has become increasingly popular, but getting started can be expensive. One way to save money is to build a chicken run with PVC. A chicken run is an enclosed space where chickens can roam freely, and PVC is a lightweight and inexpensive building material. Chicken runs can be built with or without a coop, and they can be stationary or portable, making them a versatile option for chicken owners. Building a chicken run with PVC is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps, and there are a variety of plans available online to help get you started.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To give chickens more room to run with safety from aerial predators |
| Building Materials | PVC pipes, connectors, joints, plastic fencing, zip ties, hinges, lock, bird netting, T-straps, cement, wire ties, lumber, metal brackets |
| Tools | Scissors or wire cutters |
| Design Features | Minimum perch width of 2 inches; minimum height of 1 foot; sufficient headroom to avoid collisions with netting |
| Benefits | Light-weight, inexpensive, easy to disassemble and reassemble, portable, provides protection from aerial predators |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and cutting the PVC pipes
First, determine the size of your chicken run. For example, if you have four hens, a 50-square-foot space should be sufficient, with a 5-foot interior height to provide room for your chickens to fly up to a perch. Planning the size will help you determine the length of PVC pipes needed.
Next, source your PVC pipes and other required materials. You can typically find these at your local hardware store or a store like Lowe's. Ensure you have all the necessary pipes, connectors, joints, and fittings to construct the frame of the chicken run.
Now, let's move on to cutting the PVC pipes. Here are the standard measurements for a chicken tractor, a portable chicken coop that provides constant access to fresh food and open space for your chickens:
- Cut 34 20-inch pieces: 22 pieces for the base and 12 for the top and door. That's a total of 56.5 feet of 3/4-inch PVC pipe.
- Cut 14 22-inch pieces for the vertical base supports.
- For the roof, cut two 16-inch pieces for the midsection, two 14 1/2-inch pieces for the rear, and two 12 1/2-inch pieces for the front of the roof base.
- Cut the PVC pipe to fit the size of your chosen tarp. For example, if you use a 5 1/2-by-7 1/2-foot tarp, cut your PVC pipe to 7 1/2 feet long.
Remember to plan your cuts ahead of time to ensure you don't end up with pieces that are too short. Always use the appropriate safety gear and tools when cutting PVC pipes, and take your time to ensure accurate measurements and cuts.
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Assembling the frame
To assemble the frame for your chicken run, you will need PVC pipes, connectors, and joints. The number of pipes and the specific dimensions will depend on the size of your desired chicken run. For example, if you want a 50-square-foot space for four hens, you will need to cut your pipes accordingly to achieve the desired dimensions.
Let's take an example to understand the process better. Suppose you want to build a chicken run that is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. In that case, you would need to cut your PVC pipes to the appropriate lengths. You will need longer pipes for the sides of the frame and shorter pipes for the front and back.
Using connectors and joints, join the pipes together to form a rectangular or square shape, depending on your preferences. Ensure that the structure is sturdy and stable by using the correct fittings and connectors. The connectors will join the pipes at the corners, and the joints will join the pipes at the top and bottom of the frame.
Once the frame is assembled, you can add the fencing or netting to enclose the structure. You can use plastic fencing or bird netting, attaching it to the frame with zip ties or wire ties. Cut the fencing or netting to size, ensuring it fits snugly around the frame.
The frame of your chicken run is now complete! You can adjust the dimensions and cutting instructions based on your specific requirements and the size of your chicken run.
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Attaching the fencing or netting
When attaching the fencing or netting to your chicken run, begin by attaching one end of the plastic fencing to one of the vertical bars on the frame. You can use zip ties to secure the fencing to the bars. Roll the fencing around the frame and attach it to each vertical PVC pipe as you go. Once you've reached the first bar again, attach the fencing to the pipe and cut off any excess material with scissors or wire cutters. Repeat this process to attach the fencing to the top and bottom horizontal bars.
If you're using bird netting, attach the ends to the top of one side of the frame and stretch it across. Make sure to cover the entire top of the run and secure the netting to the side of the frame with T-straps.
For added protection, you can attach chicken wire to the outside of the chicken run using zip ties. This will help to keep predators like hawks away from your chickens.
When attaching the fencing or netting, it's helpful to have two people working together to make the process easier.
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Adding a perch
Perches are essential for chickens as they allow them to put themselves in a more secure position, able to see predators or other dangers before they get too close. They also use perches to show dominance or pecking order. When adding a perch to your PVC chicken run, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the perch is at least 2 inches wide as chickens prefer to stand flat-footed, unlike other birds that wrap their feet around a perch.
You can use a piece of lumber for the perch, as shown in the example, or you could use a PVC pipe. If you choose to use PVC, cut a 1 3/4-inch piece to add a T-shaped connector for the perch. Attach the perch securely to the frame of your chicken run. One way to do this is by using metal brackets at each end of the perch, as shown in the example, and then securing it to the PVC pipe frame with wire ties.
Another option is to create a shaded perch area within your chicken run. To do this, you can use a tarp or similar material to create a cover for the perch. Cut the PVC pipes to fit the size of your chosen tarp. For example, if you're using a 5 1/2-by-7 1/2-foot tarp, cut your PVC pipes to 7 1/2 feet in length. You can then attach the tarp to the PVC frame using zip ties, creating a shaded area for your chickens to perch and relax.
When planning your cuts, ensure that you measure and plan ahead of time to avoid ending up with pieces that are too short for their intended purpose. It's always better to have slightly longer pieces that you can trim down if needed, rather than pieces that are too short and need to be replaced. With a little creativity and planning, you can design a comfortable and functional perch area for your chickens within your PVC chicken run.
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Creating access to the chicken coop
Planning the Coop Door:
If your existing chicken coop doesn't have a door, you'll need to create an opening for the chickens to access the run. Measure and cut a 3-by-3-foot door on one side of the coop. Ensure that the size of the door aligns with the dimensions of your chicken coop and run.
Installing the Door:
Attach hinges to the door for easy access. Place the hinges 2 inches from each edge of the door along the top. Secure one side of the hinge to the door and the other to the coop. You can also add a lock to the door to restrict access and enhance security.
Creating a Flap:
Cut a slit in the plastic fencing in front of the coop door. Bend the section upward and use a zip tie to attach the flap to the fence. This design allows for easy reattachment if you ever need to move the run.
Building a Chicken Tractor:
If you're starting from scratch, consider building a chicken tractor, which is a portable chicken coop. Chicken tractors are inexpensive and easy to assemble, often requiring no glue, tools, or cutting. You can use PVC pipes and fittings to create a frame and cover it with protective netting or wire mesh. Chicken tractors provide constant access to fresh food and allow chickens to fertilize the soil while controlling pests.
Perch Considerations:
When creating access to the chicken coop, consider the placement and design of perches. Chickens love to perch, and it offers them a sense of security and dominance within their pecking order. Ensure the perch is at least 2 inches wide to accommodate their flat-footed stance. The minimum height of the perch should be around one foot, allowing chickens to walk under it easily.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken tractor is a portable chicken coop that gives your birds constant access to fresh food. It allows them to fertilize the soil and helps control pests. Chicken tractors are moved across the garden or yard to change the position of the chickens and their access to resources.
You will need PVC pipes and fittings, protective netting or fencing, and wire ties or zip ties. You may also need cement and tools for cutting and assembly.
First, cut the PVC pipes to the desired length. Plan your cuts ahead of time to ensure they are the correct size. Then, assemble the frame by connecting the pipes, connectors, and joints together.
Wrap the netting or fencing around the frame and secure it with wire ties or zip ties. This step may be easier with two people.
If your chicken coop does not have a door, cut a door into the side of the coop. Add hinges and a lock to restrict access. Ensure the perch inside the run is at least 2 inches wide and positioned at an appropriate height for the chickens to walk under and fly up to.
