Mia Patel
Keeping chickens in your backyard comes with a host of benefits, from fresh eggs to pest control. However, it's essential to protect your flock from predators and keep them from escaping. Building a critter-proof chicken pen, or chicken run, involves several key considerations. Firstly, the size of your pen should depend on the number of chickens you plan to keep, with a minimum of 10 square feet of space per chicken. The type of fencing you use is crucial for keeping predators out and your chickens in, with welded wire fencing recommended in gauges of 1/2 or 1. Additionally, you can use hardware cloth to line the bottom of the pen to prevent digging, and ensure the fencing extends a few inches underground. The placement of your pen should also take into account the climate, providing shade in warmer areas and sunlight in colder regions.
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What You'll Learn
Use welded wire fencing to keep out critters of all sizes
To build a critter-proof chicken pen, one of the recommended methods is to use welded wire fencing. This type of fencing is a convenient way to quickly create a barrier around your chicken pen, and it can be an effective deterrent against various predators.
The size of the wire mesh in the welded wire fencing is crucial in keeping out critters of different sizes. While welded wire fencing with larger mesh sizes can keep out larger predators like dogs, coyotes, and bobcats, smaller critters such as raccoons, mink, weasels, and even chickens can squeeze through or reach through the larger openings. Therefore, it is recommended to use welded wire fencing with smaller mesh sizes, such as 1/2-inch or 1-inch gauge fencing, to exclude small and large predators.
To install the welded wire fencing effectively, it's important to follow certain guidelines. Firstly, set up sturdy posts at regular intervals to provide support for the fencing. Then, attach the welded wire fencing to the posts securely using construction staples or U-shaped nails and a hammer. Make sure to staple or nail the mesh to the posts at intervals of every 6 inches to ensure a tight and secure attachment. Additionally, consider burying the fencing a few inches underground or using hardware cloth along the bottom to prevent critters from digging their way into the pen.
While welded wire fencing can be an effective solution, it's important to note that some users have reported instances of strong animals, such as dogs, destroying welded wire fencing. In such cases, woven wire fencing is recommended as it is more challenging for animals to break through. Additionally, combining welded wire fencing with other deterrents, such as electric fencing or bird netting, can enhance its effectiveness in keeping out aerial predators and persistent critters like raccoons.
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Position the pen in full sun in colder climates
When building a chicken coop, it is important to consider the climate and weather conditions to ensure the chickens remain comfortable and healthy. While chickens can withstand cold temperatures, they are susceptible to heat, and it can be challenging to cool down a chicken coop during hot weather.
In colder climates, it is advisable to position the chicken coop in an area that receives full sun exposure. This allows the chickens to benefit from the warmth of the sun throughout the day. The sun's rays will help raise the temperature inside the coop, providing a comfortable environment for the chickens, even during colder months.
However, it is worth noting that direct sunlight can be intense for chickens, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Therefore, it is essential to provide shade options within the pen. This can be achieved by including structures or natural elements that create shaded areas, such as trees or shrubs. Additionally, consider using a tarp or canvas to provide instant shade during the hottest months.
By positioning the chicken coop in full sun in colder climates, you can take advantage of the sun's natural warmth while also ensuring the chickens have access to shade when needed. This approach helps maintain a comfortable temperature for the chickens and reduces the need for artificial heating methods.
To summarise, when building a chicken coop in a colder climate, it is recommended to place the structure in an area that receives ample sunlight. This natural sunlight will help keep the chickens warm during the day. However, remember to provide shade options to prevent overheating, ensuring the chickens' overall comfort and well-being.
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Use a spring to ensure the door shuts automatically
To build a critter-proof chicken pen, you'll need to ensure that the structure is secure and that the chickens cannot escape. One way to do this is by installing a spring on the door so that it shuts automatically. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a spring to ensure the door shuts automatically:
Firstly, purchase a suitable spring for your chicken pen door. The spring should be strong enough to close the door securely, but not so strong that it becomes difficult to open. You may also need additional hardware, such as screws or bolts, to attach the spring to the door and the door frame.
Next, install the spring on the door hinges. This typically involves attaching one end of the spring to the door itself and the other end to the door frame. The placement of the spring will depend on the type of door and hinges you have, so be sure to plan this step carefully. You may need to drill holes or make other adjustments to ensure a secure fit.
Once the spring is installed, test the door to ensure it shuts automatically. Adjust the tension of the spring as needed to get the right balance. The door should close firmly but not too forcefully, and it should still be easy to open from both the inside and outside.
Additionally, consider adding a latch or catch to the door to secure it in place when it's closed. This will provide an extra layer of security and ensure that the door doesn't blow open in strong winds or when critters try to push against it.
By using a spring to ensure the door shuts automatically, you can help keep your chickens safe from predators and prevent them from escaping. This simple addition to your chicken pen can provide peace of mind and improve the overall security of your flock.
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Add a layer of hardware cloth to protect against raccoons and foxes
Adding a layer of hardware cloth is a robust solution to protect your chicken coop and run from predators such as raccoons and foxes. Hardware cloth is made of heavier-gauge, galvanized, stainless steel, or bare steel wires woven tightly together into smaller openings that are difficult for predators to penetrate. Its thicker gauge wire and tighter mesh make it resistant to tearing, chewing, and clawing by larger predators like raccoons and foxes, offering better protection for your chickens.
Hardware cloth is available in various widths ranging from 3 to 6 feet, with roll lengths varying from 5 to 100 feet. Before installing the hardware cloth, measure and cut it to size using wire snips, ensuring a snug fit around the perimeter of your chicken run. Overlap the edges by 4 to 6 inches and leave no gaps larger than 1/2 inch to prevent predators from squeezing through.
To secure the hardware cloth to your chicken run, you can use 3/4-inch galvanized poultry fencing staples. Avoid using staples from hand-powered staple guns as they tend to rust and may come loose over time, which can be dangerous for your chickens. Instead, opt for galvanized staples fired from a pneumatic staple gun or hammered in for superior durability and reliability.
In addition to installing hardware cloth, it is important to seal off any gaps or small holes that predators could exploit. Collect eggs daily, store feed properly, and clean up spills or scraps at the end of the day to discourage rodents from taking up residence.
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Use chicken wire to enclose the pen and keep predators out
Chicken wire is a popular, affordable, and lightweight mesh used for basic fencing. It is suitable for enclosing small areas or creating temporary barriers within the coop or pen. However, it is essential to note that chicken wire may not be strong enough to keep predators out. Predators can easily cut through the steel wire mesh with force or their teeth, and the wire also degrades quickly. Broken pieces can be dangerous to your chickens as they can be ingested or cause puncture wounds and eye injuries.
If you decide to use chicken wire, you can attach it to the frame or posts using fence staples or poultry staples. Overlap the wire and attach it to the fence. Ensure there are no gaps, and use galvanized staples fired from a pneumatic staple gun or hammered in for superior durability. You can also attach chicken wire on top of hardwire cloth for added protection. This method can help keep flying predators, such as hawks, kites, and black vultures, from entering the pen from above.
For added protection against digging predators, bury the wire fencing a few inches or at least a foot beneath the ground. You can also use a single strand of electric fence wire around the outside perimeter to deter predators from digging under the fence. Additionally, consider the size of the wire mesh when choosing your chicken wire. Smaller mesh sizes, such as 1/2" or 1", will help keep out small predators that may squeeze through larger mesh.
While chicken wire may be suitable for low-risk situations or temporary enclosures, it is recommended to use hardware cloth for long-term protection against a wide range of predators. Hardware cloth has a thicker gauge wire and tighter mesh, making it more resistant to penetration and damage. It can effectively deter predators such as hawks, weasels, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Combining chicken wire and hardware cloth can provide double the protection for your chicken pen.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken run is a fenced area attached to a chicken coop that provides a safe space for chickens to roam.
The rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of 10 square feet of outdoor run space per chicken.
You will need either 1/2" or 1" welded wire fencing, u-shaped nails, a hammer, and a door with hinges and a latch. For the bottom of the pen, you can use hog wire panels or galvanized hardware cloth to prevent digging.
Use staples or u-shaped nails and a hammer to attach the fencing to the posts and the chicken coop. Make sure to staple the mesh every 6 inches to secure it tightly.
Keep your chickens inside the chicken coop overnight. You can also add extra layers of protection such as hardware cloth or a top on the pen to prevent predators from climbing over.
