Building A Chicken Run Door: A Step-By-Step Guide

Building a door for a chicken run is a great way to keep your chickens safe and happy. A chicken run is an enclosed, predator-proof area attached to a chicken coop, allowing chickens to roam freely while being protected from threats such as foxes, eagles, and coyotes. When building a door for your chicken run, considerations include the type of door, such as a swing or sliding door, and the materials used, like wood or wire. Constructing a door that is secure, functional, and easy to access is essential for both the chickens' wellbeing and the convenience of the chicken keeper.

Characteristics and Values Table for Building a Door for a Chicken Run

Building a sliding door

Planning and Materials

First, decide on the location of your door and measure the opening. You'll need to ensure that the opening is smaller than the door to prevent predators from entering and to keep the coop litter from spilling out. Gather the materials you'll need, including wood of appropriate dimensions (such as pine boards or reclaimed lumber), screws, a drill, a saw, and any additional hardware for the door, such as a handle or hinges.

Creating the Door Frame

Cut the wood to the required length and width, allowing for a few inches of overlap on the sides and bottom to ensure predators can't get in. Screw the pieces together to create a sturdy frame. You can add a decorative touch to the frame if desired.

Installing the Track

Measure and mark the location of the door track, ensuring the door will have enough clearance to slide smoothly. Screw a header board across the top, adding a second board for extra support if needed. Pre-drill holes and attach the track securely.

Adding the Door

Place the door in the track and test that it slides easily. Adjust the track or door as needed. You can add a latch or a simple screw eye to the top of the door, depending on your preferred locking mechanism.

Final Touches

Attach a string or cord to the door, threading it through eye hooks to the outside of the coop, where you can install a coat hook. This will allow you to open and close the door without entering the coop. You can finish the door with a coat of stain, paint, or clear polyurethane to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.

Your sliding chicken coop door is now complete! Enjoy the convenience of easy access and the peace of mind that comes with a secure and predator-proof coop.

Building a swing door

First, measure the available space for your door. For example, you may decide on a door that is 5 feet high and 3 feet wide. Cut two 1"x4" boards to the height of your desired door dimensions, in this case, 5 feet long. Then, cut three 1"x4" boards to the width, in this instance, 3 feet long. Ensure that your door will not be wider than the wire you plan to use.

Next, lay the longer boards on a flat surface, spacing them about 3 feet apart. This will form the basic frame of your door. Use nails or screws to secure the shorter boards horizontally across the longer ones, creating a rectangular frame. You can add strength to the door by hammering truss connectors where the boards meet. Truss connectors are metal spike plates that reinforce the joints.

Once your frame is built, you can attach the wire mesh. Staple the wire to the frame, making sure to leave several inches on each side for a secure fit. Now, your door is almost ready to be hung.

To hang the door, shim the bottom by inserting a spacer to ensure the door doesn't rest directly on the frame, preventing sticking issues. Use hinges to hang the door, allowing for a small gap of about 1/2" on each side so that the door can swing freely.

And there you have it! A functional swing door for your chicken run, providing easy access and keeping your chickens safe and secure.

Ensuring the door is predator-proof

When building a door for your chicken run, there are several ways to ensure it is predator-proof. Firstly, the door should be positioned at least 3 inches from the ground. This will prevent predators from being able to lift the door from the outside. It is also important to ensure there are no gaps around the door that a predator could reach through. Raccoons, for example, are known to be cunning and persistent when trying to get to prey. You can cover any gaps with chicken wire or hardware cloth, which will still allow the door to open and close.

Another option is to create a sliding, self-locking door. This design means the door is lowered from the inside and locked securely, eliminating the ability for predators to access the lock or lift the door. This can be achieved by using a string or metal string attached to the door hinge, which, when pulled, will raise the latch into the "lock" position. The string can be tied to a coat hook during the day to keep the door open and released at night to close and secure the coop.

If you're using a pre-made dog kennel to create your chicken coop, you can make the door wider and attach it to the existing fence with a bungee cord, allowing it to swing open and closed. You can also add a spring lock to your door to ensure it remains closed and secure.

To further ensure the safety of your flock, it is recommended to supervise them when they are in an uncovered run, as this will leave them vulnerable to attacks by flying predators.

Making the door strong

When building a door for a chicken run, you can take several steps to ensure it is strong and secure. Firstly, consider the materials you are using. A wooden door should be made with 2x4s and 1x6 boards to create a sturdy frame. To reinforce the joints where the 2x4s meet, you can hammer in truss connectors (metal spike plates). Adding these metal connectors will provide extra strength and help prevent the door from sagging over time.

Another way to enhance the strength of the door is to add a cross brace. This simple addition will ensure the door remains sturdy and you won't need to worry about resetting the door latch height due to sagging. You can also use 2x4 or 1x6 boards to create a frame for the door, screwing them horizontally into the posts for added stability. This will provide a solid structure that can withstand everyday use and potential impacts from chickens or other animals.

When hanging the door, be sure to shim the bottom by inserting a spacer. This will prevent the door from sticking and make it easier to open and close, reducing the likelihood of damage over time. Additionally, leave a small space of about 1/2" on each side so the door can swing freely without obstruction.

If you opt for a sliding door, you may need to consider a different set of requirements to ensure it is strong and functional. Sliding doors use a track and wheel system, which can be more complex and may require regular cleaning to prevent debris build-up.

Attaching the door to the chicken coop

When attaching a door to your chicken coop, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of door you want. You can opt for a simple swing door or a sliding door. A swing door is easier to construct and operate, while a sliding door might be more suitable if you have limited space. If you opt for a swing door, measure the available space and cut the necessary wooden boards. For example, for a 5-foot-high and 3-foot-wide door, you would cut two 1"x4"s five feet long and three 1"x4"s three feet long. Ensure the door isn't wider than the wire you plan to use.

To attach the door, start by building a door frame and hanging the door within it. Shim the bottom of the door (insert a spacer) so that it doesn't rest directly on the frame, preventing sticking issues. Allow a small space of about 1/2" on each side so the door can swing freely. You can use a flat bracket to hold the boards of the door frame together.

If you want to add strength to your door, flip it over and hammer truss connectors where the 2x4's meet. Metal spike plates, or truss connectors, can be hammered into the wood for reinforcement. Adding a cross brace from corner to corner will also prevent door sag and save you from having to adjust the door latch height over time.

For a sliding door, you'll need a track and wheel system. Keep in mind that sliding doors can stick out more, leaving room for small animals to enter, and the bottom rail may get filled with debris.

Frequently asked questions