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

Building a gate for a chicken run can be a fun project for anyone with a small backyard flock. It can be frustrating to have your chickens escape and wander off, and even more heartbreaking to lose them to predators. Building a chicken run and gate can be an economical option to keep your chickens safe. There are many ways to build a gate, and you can use easily available materials like wood, wire mesh, and metal rods to build a simple gate in a weekend.

Choosing the right materials

When building a gate for a chicken run, it is important to choose the right materials to ensure that the gate is functional and durable. Here are some factors to consider when selecting materials:

Type of Wood

The type of wood you choose will impact the gate's durability and strength. For posts, consider using pressure-treated wood, which is resistant to rot and insect damage. For the gate itself, you can use a variety of woods, such as cedar or pine, depending on your budget and the desired aesthetic. It is recommended to pre-stain the wood before building the gate, as this will help protect the wood and ensure a longer lifespan.

Metal Bars and Fencing

Metal bars or rods can be used to reinforce the gate and provide additional security. These can be horizontal or vertical bars, depending on your preference. Additionally, consider using hardware cloth or metal fencing with small openings (no larger than 1/2 inch) along the bottom of the gate to prevent predators from reaching through and attacking your chickens. This is especially important if you plan to let your chickens roam during the night.

Hinges and Springs

The choice of hinges will depend on the type of gate you are building. If you want a gate that swings both ways, consider using double-acting barrel hinges, commonly seen on cafe or saloon doors. The size of the hinge should be proportional to the size of the gate, so larger gates will require bigger hinges. For a self-closing gate, you can use a spring attached to a hook on the inside support post, which will pull the gate shut after someone passes through.

Screws and Connectors

When connecting the wooden components of your gate, use screws that are long enough to provide a secure hold. For example, when connecting shorter 2x4s to longer 2x4s, use 2- to 3-inch wood screws inserted at an angle to ensure a sturdy connection.

Additional Materials

Depending on your specific needs, you may require additional materials. For example, if you want to create a net barrier to prevent your chickens from escaping, you can use a combination of netting, sticks, and a frame. This can be attached to a tree and the fence to keep your chickens contained while allowing them access to the garden.

Gate size and placement

When building a gate for your chicken run, there are a few things to consider when determining the size and placement. Firstly, the gate should be large enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow or any other equipment you'll need to access the run. A standard gate size is 3 feet wide, but you may need to adjust this based on the size of your wheelbarrow or equipment.

The placement of the gate is also important. If your chicken coop is located near a garden, you'll want to ensure that the gate provides easy access to both areas. It's recommended to have the chicken coop even with one side of the run, and to place the gate on the opposite side, creating a clear path between the two areas.

Another factor to consider is the type of hinge you'll be using. If you use double-acting barrel hinges that allow the gate to swing both ways, you'll need to ensure there is enough clearance on both sides of the gate for it to open fully. Additionally, the weight of the gate will determine the size and number of hinges you'll need. Larger and heavier gates will require bigger hinges and may need additional support.

To secure your chickens from predators, your gate should be high enough so that they cannot fly or jump over it. You can also attach hardware cloth or similar fencing along the bottom of the gate to prevent predators from reaching through and grabbing your chickens. Burying the fence a few inches deep can also provide additional protection against digging predators.

Using hardware cloth

Hardware cloth is a good option for building a gate for your chicken run. It is a type of metal fencing with small holes, no larger than 1/2", that can be used to keep predators like raccoons and foxes out of your chicken run. While it can be expensive to build the entire run out of hardware cloth, you can use it along the bottom of the run to prevent predators from reaching through the openings to attack your chickens.

To use hardware cloth for your chicken run gate, start by digging holes for your fence posts. The posts should be placed about 6 to 8 feet apart, with two posts closer together to mark the gate entrance. Sink the posts in concrete to ensure they stay put and use a level to make sure they are straight. For 8' wooden posts, dig a 2' hole, place the post in, fill it with dirt, and pack it with a tamper. If you're using 7' T-posts, hammer them in with a T-post driver.

Once your posts are in place, roll out the hardware cloth along the entire path, making sure it is at ground level. For added security against digging predators, create a trench and bury the hardware cloth about 6-12 inches deep. Wrap one end of the hardware cloth around the first post and secure it with zip ties. Pull the cloth tight and wrap the other end around the last post, securing it with zip ties as well.

Attach the hardware cloth to the posts using 3/4" poultry staples for wooden posts or wire for T-posts. You can also attach hardware cloth or similar fencing along the bottom of the fence for added protection. Follow the instructions for building a gate that fits your chicken run, making sure it is large enough to accommodate any equipment you'll need inside the run. Remember to use hinges and a latch to hang your gate, allowing it to be opened and closed easily.

Building a weight-driven gate

Building a gate for your chicken run is a great way to protect your chickens from predators. There are various ways to build a gate, and one option is to make it weight-driven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a weight-driven gate for your chicken run:

Planning and Materials

Firstly, you need to decide on the size and location of your gate. Ensure that the gate is large enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow and any equipment you'll need inside the run. A standard gate size is 3 feet wide. You will also need to designate two extra posts for mounting the gate, spaced about 1 foot from the sides of the run.

For materials, you can use wooden posts and welded wire fence, with T-posts for additional support. Remember to choose the materials that best suit your needs and consider the type of predators you need protection from.

Construction

Start by digging holes for your posts. For 8-foot wooden posts, dig a 2-foot hole, place the post in, fill it with dirt, and pack it down. Repeat this process for all your posts.

Next, roll out your fencing material in front of the coop, ensuring it is at ground level. For added protection, you can attach hardware cloth or similar fencing along the bottom of the fence to prevent predators from reaching through.

Now, it's time to build the gate. Connect the shorter 2x4s to the longer 2x4s with 2- to 3-inch wood screws inserted at an angle. You can refer to the gate-building kit mentioned earlier for a more detailed process.

Weight-Driven Mechanism

To make your gate weight-driven, you can use a pulley system. Add a string or rope to the opening side of the gate and feed it through a pulley block, such as the NPPB (New Post Pulley Block). Size it so that when the gate is closed, a weight is near the top of the pulley block. Attach another string to the weight and thread it through the NPPB and a second pulley block, like the EPPB (Extended Post Pulley Block). Take this new string and attach it to the arm, ensuring minimal slack.

Alternatively, you can angle the axis of the hinge so the top is further from the post, allowing the gate to swing closed under its weight from either direction. You can also add a cam, a round ramp that forces the stick up as the gate rotates, and a counterweight to make it easier to open and close.

By following these steps, you can create a weight-driven gate that is both functional and secure, providing easy access to your chicken run while keeping your chickens safe from predators.

Adding a self-closing mechanism

Firstly, decide on the type of self-closing mechanism you want to use. One option is to use a spring and hook system. This method is straightforward and effective, requiring only a few additional materials. Alternatively, you could explore a weight-driven system that utilises pulleys and sheaves to open and close the gate. This option may be more complex to construct but could provide a seamless opening and closing motion.

If you opt for the spring and hook method, head to your local hardware store and pick up a spring and a hook. The spring will provide the tension needed to automatically close the gate, while the hook will serve as an anchor point. You will also need some tools for installation, such as a drill and screws.

Once you have your materials, start by screwing the hook into the inside support post on the hinge side of the gate. Ensure it is securely fastened and positioned at a height that allows the spring to be wound onto it comfortably. Next, take one end of the spring and securely wind it onto the hook. Stretch the spring across to the gate and wind the other end into the chicken wire or any suitable anchoring point on the gate itself.

Test the mechanism by opening the gate and ensuring it swings shut automatically due to the tension of the spring. Adjust the positioning of the hook or the tightness of the spring as needed to achieve the desired closing force.

If you prefer a weight-driven system, you will need to devise a mechanism that lifts or lowers a weight when the gate is opened, causing it to swing shut. This may involve the use of pulleys and sheaves, as suggested by the Reddit user, or you could explore using a counterweight system. Keep in mind that these mechanisms can be more complex and may require additional trial and error to perfect.

By following these steps and choosing a method that suits your needs and skills, you can effectively add a self-closing mechanism to your chicken run gate, improving the security and containment of your feathered friends.

Frequently asked questions