Cheap Chicken Run Covers: Diy Guide

Building a chicken run can be a daunting task, but it is essential to keep your chickens safe and healthy. A chicken run is an outdoor enclosure attached to the coop that provides chickens with the space to roam and forage. Common mistakes when building a chicken run include using flimsy chicken wire or cattle panel fencing with large holes, which can allow predators access. This guide will teach you how to build a covered chicken run cheaply and effectively, ensuring your chickens have a safe and enjoyable outdoor space while you are at work or on vacation.

Using hardware cloth and chicken wire for protection against predators

Chicken wire is flexible and good for making temporary structures to keep chickens confined to a particular area. However, it is not strong enough to prevent predators from accessing your chickens. Chicken wire is too weak, and predators can break through it. Hawks, for example, can reach through chicken wire with their talons and harm your chickens.

Hardware cloth, on the other hand, is a stronger alternative. It is made of woven or welded wires in a square or rectangular grid pattern and is available in galvanized, stainless steel, or bare steel. It is manufactured from a stronger gauge metal than chicken wire, making it more effective for flock protection.

To protect your chickens from predators such as raccoons, hawks, owls, snakes, and dogs, you can use a combination of hardware cloth and chicken wire. Here are some tips for using these materials for protection:

• Use hardware cloth on the bottom section where predators are most likely to come through, as it is stronger and more durable. Bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches into the ground around the perimeter of the coop and run, or underneath the floor. This will deter digging predators such as raccoons and dogs.
• For added protection, dig a trench along the outside and bury the hardware cloth. You can also bend and attach the hardware cloth to the fence, and then cover it with a few inches of dirt. This will frustrate digging predators, as they will hit the metal and give up.
• Use cheaper chicken wire for the upper sections. While it may not stop all predators, it can still provide some protection and contain your chickens within the run.
• Secure hardware cloth with screws and washers. Do not use staples, as they can be easily defeated by pushing or pulling.
• Cover the run with a roof or hardware cloth to protect against flying and climbing predators.
• For lesser protection, you can use netting on top of the run to deter hawks and owls. However, climbing predators may still be able to access the run.

Covering with corrugated steel and plastic to keep out snow

Building a covered chicken run is a great way to keep your chickens safe and dry. It is especially important to keep out snow during the winter months, as chickens can get stressed, develop frostbite, or produce fewer eggs when exposed to harsh weather.

One option for a cheap cover is corrugated steel. This material is strong and durable and can be used as a roof to keep out the snow. You can also use welded wire as a roof, but this may not be suitable for year-round use. To keep out snow, you or your partner can cover the sides with plastic sheeting. This will prevent snow from blowing in and keep your chickens warm and dry. Make sure to use opaque or heavy-duty plastic roofing material, such as Tuftex, which has been shown to be effective for several years.

Another option for a cheap cover is to use clear plastic tarps with built-in grommet holes. These tarps can be secured to the wood along the bottom of the run using eye hooks, and then fastened at the top with ball bungee cords. This will create an effective barrier against wind and snow while still letting sunlight through, keeping the run bright and warm.

If you want to let in more sunlight, you could consider using corrugated greenhouse panels. These panels are lightweight, durable, and easy to install. They are made of strong polycarbonate and can be installed with minimal tools. They are also transparent, allowing maximum sunlight exposure while protecting your chickens from the elements.

When covering your chicken run, it is important to only cover the sides and not the top, as a cover on the top may cause the entire run to collapse under the weight of snow. Additionally, make sure that whatever cover you use is strong enough to handle the weight of snow. Tarps are not always the best option, as they can rip in heavy winds.

Using recycled doors to save money

Building a chicken run can be expensive and time-consuming, but using recycled materials can make it a more affordable and sustainable project. One way to save money on your chicken run is to use recycled doors for the entrance and walls.

Old doors can be sourced from scrap yards, old buildings, or even from materials that your friends and neighbours no longer need. Using recycled doors can add charm and curb appeal to your yard, and they can be modified to fit your chicken run. For example, you can cut out a section of the door to create an opening for the eggs and add a window for more light.

When using recycled doors, it's important to ensure that the entrance is securely attached to the frame using hinges and latches. A simple push-button latch may not be sufficient to keep out predators, so consider adding a gate latch secured with a carabiner or a padlock. The entrance should be large enough to allow easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

In addition to recycled doors, you can also use other recycled materials such as corrugated iron or roofing materials for the roof, and reclaimed wood for the frame. Building a chicken run with recycled materials encourages creativity and innovation, reduces waste, and minimises the carbon footprint associated with poultry farming.

By using recycled doors and other recycled materials, you can save money, help the environment, and create a unique and functional chicken run for your flock.

Burying scraps to prevent predators from digging in

Building a chicken run is a great way to give your chickens a safe outdoor space to enjoy. One of the most important aspects of a chicken run is ensuring that it is predator-proof. Predators are constantly finding new ways to access their prey, so it is important to have multiple layers of protection.

One effective method to prevent predators from digging into your chicken run is to use a combination of hardware cloth and chicken wire. Hardware cloth, while expensive, is the gold standard for predator-proofing. You can use hardware cloth on the bottom section, where predators are most likely to try to dig in, and then use cheaper chicken wire for the upper sections. Burying the hardware cloth underground will provide an additional layer of protection. Dig a trench along the outside perimeter of your chicken run and bury the hardware cloth 8-12 inches deep to prevent predators from digging underneath.

For added security, you can also install a predator apron. A predator apron is made of fencing material that runs along the perimeter of the chicken coop and enclosed run, above the ground. When a predator tries to dig underneath, they will encounter the apron and be deterred from digging further. This method is much easier than the traditional method of digging a trench and burying fencing.

Another important consideration is to keep the coop clean and free of food scraps. Food scraps can attract predators to the area, so it is important to remove any potential sources of attraction. Additionally, make sure that the seams of your fencing material are securely attached, especially in the corners, as predators often start digging in these areas.

By combining these methods, such as using hardware cloth, installing a predator apron, and keeping the coop clean, you can effectively prevent predators from digging into your chicken run and keep your chickens safe.

Using wood chips, straw, grass, or sand for ground cover

Wood chips are a natural, inexpensive flooring option for chicken coops and runs. They are a well-known natural product for use as bedding and make an excellent base for the deep litter method. They break down slowly when added to a compost heap, so they are environmentally friendly. Chickens will continue to perform necessary behaviours like dust bathing and foraging when only given access to wood chips.

Pine shavings are another option, but they must be raked weekly and changed monthly. They do not decompose much, so they are good for chicken coops. Avoid using pine shavings that are too dusty, as they can cause respiratory problems in chickens.

Straw is a good insulator and is much less dusty than shavings. It is also drier than hay, so it doesn't mould, and it is soft for chickens to walk on. Straw is also hollow, so it traps air. It is more difficult to clean out soiled straw than shavings, but it is better for the chickens.

Sand is a popular choice for flooring in chicken coops and runs because of its durability. Chickens can easily scratch and dig in it, which is an important part of their day. Coarse builder's sand is easy to maintain and keeps flies away. However, some chicken owners have expressed regret at using sand in their coops, saying that it is hard to remove, stinky, and disliked by chickens.

Grass and leaves are free options for flooring in chicken coops and runs. Chickens will enjoy poking around in the grass and leaves for weed seeds and bugs. However, wet leaves can produce mould spores, which can affect chickens' respiratory systems, so they should be used under cover if possible.

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