Extra run for free ranging during the day

[McChooky]

T posts and welded wire can be used to support netting .You can make the tunnels as short or tall as you like (trellis)

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I want to build an extra play area for my chickens to free range that connects to their predator proof run/coop. It would need to have some sort of chicken wire ceiling to keep out a hawk that won't leave them alone. I considered buying an enclosed run from Amazon but the reviews aren't very positive for any of them. Plus, I figured I could make a much larger enclosure if I build it myself. Any suggestions?

same situation. you said it tho..... chicken wire and more chicken wire. if its for an outdoor play area, will you be home to check the chooks while they are in there? I have a little outdoor play area for free range and if I have to run inside, they can stay in there. I used trees, logs, brush to make a boma (sp). I wouldnt trust my play area if I planned on leaving the house but its a nice place for them to hang out and get safe when the hawks come. I also have a camera that feeds to a TV in my living room i'll look at that often too. Everyone wants to eat our chickens! My top hen is named Delicious and I cant blame the wildlife for wanting to taste them all!

 

[McChooky]

I use my run as an extension of the coop so I need another run.Because its covered in hardware cloth its never hot in the summer so they love it.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I want to build an extra play area for my chickens to free range that connects to their predator proof run/coop. It would need to have some sort of chicken wire ceiling to keep out a hawk that won't leave them alone. I considered buying an enclosed run from Amazon but the reviews aren't very positive for any of them. Plus, I figured I could make a much larger enclosure if I build it myself. Any suggestions?

I'm doing the same. Those green, metal garden posts can work well with chicken wire. T-posts i think they are called. Bird netting across the top or place for arial coverage. This is an inexpensive way imo. I want it to look somewhat aesthetically pleasing as well. This is a wonderful way to keep the hens safe while you turn your back or have to run inside. I wouldn't leave the house with them in there tho. I live in a valley on the side of a mountain. Someone once said, its not a matter of IF a predator will come, rather when?! We're upping the anti tho, and adding wood posts and predator apron and heavy duty netting hopefully by the end of this season. Materials are sooo expensive. Take care, good luck!

 

[Huntmaster]

This is exactly what I was thinking but wasn't sure how to implement a human door. I plan on creating a connecting tunnel that connects their enclosed run to the new "play yard." What kind of netting did you use for the top and where did you get it?

Just a few ideas

 

[woodworm]

I use a 2" knotted netting to topmost of my enclosers/pens, works well for me but there are a few steps you need to do if you're in heavy snow area. Pic for example.View attachment 3745858

Nice setup. Do you ever get issues with foxes with netting? I'm looking at building an extension on my run but the 'worrier' in me can't get away from hardware cloth.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I like this door best on one of my smaller grow out pens.View attachment 3746547

This is super nice! Love that you painted everything green as well.

 

[Huntmaster]

This is super nice! Love that you painted everything green as well.

Thank you

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

This is super nice! Love that you painted everything green as well.

This is stellar! Love it