10'x12' dog kennel for chicken run

[bluegiantsc]

I have 2 free range chickens that are a little out of control right now, going into the neighborhood behind our house and acting almost wild. I have a house for them to sleep in at night, they are locked in with good locks so no worries about predators anymore. I'm about to get a 10'x12' dog kennel from my in-laws to help get the chickens under control. Its regular chain link. I know it needs a top and i was thinking about digging it into the ground so i know nothing can get underneath it.

So what should i do to make it sure its safe for my chickens to stay in? They won't be in there all day everyday, but I'm thinking they'll be in there quite a bit, so i can tame them again.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HorseCrazyy]

I think its a good idea as long as they can be out to free range once in a while

 

[Nyowpotopop]

I was told typically you need 10sqft in a run per chicken. That's big enough for 2-3 chickens easy by that rule. Dig it into the ground or set it in cement. Deer netting, chicken wire or avian netting over the top will help... The stronger the better. The gaps in a chainlink fence are a little big so you can either get some sturdy wire from a hardware store to weave in yourself and make the gaps smaller or you can use multiple layers of chicken wire or hardware cloth.

 

[DanEP]

10 x12 is 120 square feet that's enough for 10 - 12 chickens at 10 sq ft per bird. They won't like being locked up but will get over it. As far as the free ranging goes you might try just letting them out for a little while in the evenings. I am having a predator problem right now so can only let the girls out in the evenings while I'm home and have noticed they don't wander very far in just an hour or two late in the day.

 

[bluegiantsc]

Thanks everyone for the advice!

 

[BirdWalkFarm]

10 x12 is 120 square feet that's enough for 10 - 12 chickens at 10 sq ft per bird. They won't like being locked up but will get over it. As far as the free ranging goes you might try just letting them out for a little while in the evenings. I am having a predator problem right now so can only let the girls out in the evenings while I'm home and have noticed they don't wander very far in just an hour or two late in the day.

Oh , I am glad you posted this . I have four roosters in a 10x12 dog kennel and was feeling guilty . Thought it might be too small but glad to find out it is large enough for them .