A Run Project

[Bobby Basham]

Hey, Folks:

A newbie here from Tucscon, AZ. I have done a few posts before, but can't remember where they are to see if anyone chimed in...oh well.

Anyhoo, I'm drawing up plans for my run which may be about 8'deep x 20' wide by 5' high. That should provide 160 sq.ft. of inner space for 5 hens. I tend to start projects from the outside before working my way inward and spoiling the girls with all the ammenities.

I don't know if I'm permitted to post any pics yet, but it's basically a four-sided chainlink run with hardware cloth about half-way up and extending underneath and outward under the wood planters on the sides and front of the run. I may also line the inside base with 2x12 treated lumber which would actually be the fourth side of wooden planter boxes. Hence, the boxes are actually attached through the chainlink.

WOW...I still have my drawing talent from since being a kid back in the 60's. I just sat on the couch and sketched it out. This is not drawn to scale, though.

I will also put two potted small trees/ shrubbery in some big clay pots at both ends of the front to provide some shade because of my yard NW/SE orientation. There will also be some type of covering ontop of the run.

I've been living in a concrete jungle with an HOA for four years, and I have seen a few concrete washes behind some of the cul-de-sacs, but haven't seen any wild critters running around. There are NO neighboring pets running loose, and the only entrance to my back yard is a 5ft wrought iron gate on the side.

Once I take care of the "Fort Knox" aspect of the exterior, then I will concentrate on the interior with the coup, sauna, spa, massage, pedicures, misting etc...LOL! I'll keep a folding chair in there to gab with them about their day and issues, spoiling them with treats, and enjoy their antics before they turn in and, hopefully, they'll listen to my day about the idiots and I have to deal with. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

 

[jeridge]

I'm learning, too! Love your pic and the idea about shrubbery. I'm doing the same thing.

 

[HouseMouseHens]

I'm a total newbie too, my girls are one week to three weeks old. I love your run ideas! This is pretty much what I am doing, though I am using 1x3 welded wire fencing instead of chainlink. I plan on building planters like you have to make the bottom foot or so of the run wood sided(including a 1ft board across the door) to hold in the river rock that will line half the run. The other half (or probably less than half actually) will be grazing frames with grass. Are you putting any sort of roof on it? I plan to, since it rains constantly here, but was wondering if you were going to since it's so hot there. I can imagine that Tuscon is brutal in the summer! I grew up in Prescott, and l lived in Phoenix for a few years before moving up here. HAD to get out of that heat!

Looks great so far! Wish I had the space for an 8x20ft run! Due to a garage and a large ugly evergreen tree, I only have a span of 12-14 feet next to my coop for the run. It'll be fine for my girls though, I just can't have a weak moment and get any more!!!

 

[HouseMouseHens]

I'm a total newbie too, my girls are one week to three weeks old. I love your run ideas! This is pretty much what I am doing, though I am using 1x3 welded wire fencing instead of chainlink. I plan on building planters like you have to make the bottom foot or so of the run wood sided(including a 1ft board across the door) to hold in the river rock that will line half the run. The other half (or probably less than half actually) will be grazing frames with grass. Are you putting any sort of roof on it? I plan to, since it rains constantly here, but was wondering if you were going to since it's so hot there. I can imagine that Tuscon is brutal in the summer! I grew up in Prescott, and l lived in Phoenix for a few years before moving up here. HAD to get out of that heat!

Looks great so far! Wish I had the space for an 8x20ft run! Due to a garage and a large ugly evergreen tree, I only have a span of 12-14 feet next to my coop for the run. It'll be fine for my girls though, I just can't have a weak moment and get any more!!!

I somehow skipped the part where you said there will be covering on the roof. Haha! I'm not all here today.

 

[Bobby Basham]

Thanks for your input, folks.

If I actually get out there with a tape measure, the run could actually be 10ft x 30ft, but I have to be mindfull of the distance from bordering residences according to HOA (Home Owners Assassination) bylaws. Who knows, if I get 12 hens, I can take the extra eggs downtown to the Wednesday Farmers Market if I retire next October. That side street is adjacent from my office building.

I consider this like a major project, like buying a new appliance, vehicle or house. Weeks/months of research. Then, once the outside is completed, what's gonna go in those planter boxes?...veggies for me and the gals = more reading/research about what benefits us...grape vines for shading? Their greedy beaks won't get through the hardware cloth to pluck the plants naked.

The only predators I've seen are the HUGE crows flying around. From watching Discovery/Animal Planet over the years, they seem to favor baby birds and eggs. I'm glad they pluck off those nasty pigeons and their eggs.

The run/outside is stage one....Stage two, the interior, is gonna be a more difficult project. Yeah, I know that the girls have simple needs, a place to roost, lay eggs, and play and poop out in the run. I will provide plenty of outside perches and toys to keep them entertained. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona