100% Urban Predator proof Chicken Run

[WoeiHaveChicken]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to see the final product.

 

[Daox13]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to see the final product.

Thank you

 

[Intheswamp]

Lots of work there and looking good. Congratulations on the progress!!! Put some gravel down and then top it with stepping stones/patio blocks/whatever on the inside and outside of the doorway to keep from wallowing out any mud holes in that high-traffic area. Something else since you're in an area that (I think) gets some snow and cold weather...install some eye-screws and hooks around the perimeter so you can easily attach tarps during blowing, messy whether.

Have you considered going around the lower perimeter with heavier 2x4 welded or woven wire?

You've done a good job with a lifetime of tinkering to go. Enjoy the process!

Ed

ETA: Attach tarps with short bungee cords between the tarps and hooks...keeps it taunt so it doesn't flap as much and still will let plenty of ventilation around the edges.

 

[Daox13]

Lots of work there and looking good. Congratulations on the progress!!! Put some gravel down and then top it with stepping stones/patio blocks/whatever on the inside and outside of the doorway to keep from wallowing out any mud holes in that high-traffic area. Something else since you're in an area that (I think) gets some snow and cold weather...install some eye-screws and hooks around the perimeter so you can easily attach tarps during blowing, messy whether.

Have you considered going around the lower perimeter with heavier 2x4 welded or woven wire?

You've done a good job with a lifetime of tinkering to go. Enjoy the process!

Ed

ETA: Attach tarps with short bungee cords between the tarps and hooks...keeps it taunt so it doesn't flap as much and still will let plenty of ventilation around the edges.

those are some great ideas! I plan to border the run and make a walkway to it but I think I may also lay a few stones on the other side of the doorway for good measure. I have some 2x4 welded wire and plan to run the bottom section in that as well, but I'm also going to use rustoleum black outdoor paint on the front wire to give it more of a see through effect (hopefully) as now it kind of gives off a weird pattern with the front and back wire, so I will wait for warmer weather to install that so I can paint it as well.
I have purchased a few cheap clear shower curtains I'm going to use for this winter and the bungie and eye hook idea is super smart so I really appreciate it!

 

[Daox13]

First time posting pic from cell phone so let me know if it doesn't work. Did a little work on the coop last night after work and got prepared for colder weather. 6mil plastic and a few 1x2".... it made a huge difference!

 

[Intheswamp]

Good wind barrier, looks like good ventilation at top. Just watch for any condensation on the plastic.

Ed

 

[Daox13]

Yeah I left the top that way for ventilation and the rear of it is not in plastics just a privacy fence but it's a great wind break!

 

[Daox13]

Now I won't have to worry about frozen water which was such a hassle

 

[Daox13]

Interior latch and handle to keep it closed while being inside.

Exterior latches to close it up, raccoon proof too.

Laid some pine shavings down as I have not had a chance to do the leaves in the yard yet and will add to the deep bedding in a few weeks.

Added some stumps and the water warmer

This is my temporary power station. Included with rope lights for added light inside and at least light for us incase we need to go in after sunset.

Another shot of rope lights

 

[Intheswamp]

Now I won't have to worry about frozen water which was such a hassle

Might I suggest that you get a "Y" adapter that will take two bulbs...if one blows then the other one will continue burning and hopefully keep the water unfrozen...maybe use two lower wattage bulbs? A little insulation on the inside walls and bottom of the box might help...anything non-flammable with with air spaces in it...crumpled tinfoil would help...or, maybe not.

You also might want to put that cord inside of some tough tubing of some sort...plastic, metal, just something tough that the chickens won't peck apart.

Just some thoughts,
Ed