Affordable run/free range alternatives?

[mrsmistoffelees02]

Hi everyone! Originally when we decided to start our backyard flock, we planned to let our chickens free range. However, now that I’ve learned a lot more about some of the risks that come with free ranging (and became emotionally attached, lol) I’m hesitant to let my babies outside all day. Are there any affordable alternatives that provide some protection, but allow access to pasture? I like the idea of a moveable structure, but I feel like that or building a run would likely be too expensive with the cost of material. Hopefully there are some thrifty solutions to this dilemma!

Edit- I should add that we live on a large rural property with no fencing.

 

[Battlepants]

A decent hybrid setup between confined and free range is to set up a large fenced yard and fill it with "junk". Anything that a chicken can easily dart underneath at a moments notice is good junk to add to your yard.

Some examples of good junk to add to your yard:
Bushes
Trampoline
Lawnchair (tipped over so they don't poop all over the seat)
Outdoor table
Two pallets nailed together to make a little tunnel under them
Retired kids playhouses

Chickens are pretty quick, but it's ideal to give lots of cover options for them to dart into. Of course, there will still be some risk from aerial predators, but this does reduce it to an extent.

For sourcing, check out the free section of craigslist, or cruise some neighborhoods on trash day with a big truck. Can probably get most of this clutter for free.

 

[ashcons]

Depends on what you're working with - if they're inside of fencing, say a suburban back yard, that removes the risks from larger predators getting to them, you could put together a movable fence with 2x4x48" WW fencing with some staked netting above to keep BOP away from them and allow them extra roaming room and move every couple of days.

If you are on a larger bit of land, 48" poultry netting allows you the ability to do that same thing, but more securely.

 

[mrsmistoffelees02]

A decent hybrid setup between confined and free range is to set up a large fenced yard and fill it with "junk". Anything that a chicken can easily dart underneath at a moments notice is good junk to add to your yard.

Some examples of good junk to add to your yard:
Bushes
Trampoline
Lawnchair (tipped over so they don't poop all over the seat)
Outdoor table
Two pallets nailed together to make a little tunnel under them
Retired kids playhouses

Chickens are pretty quick, but it's ideal to give lots of cover options for them to dart into. Of course, there will still be some risk from aerial predators, but this does reduce it to an extent.

For sourcing, check out the free section of craigslist, or cruise some neighborhoods on trash day with a big truck. Can probably get most of this clutter for free.

Thanks! I will definitely keep this in mind.

 

[3KillerBs]

I love my Premier 1 electric poultry netting. We wouldn't have been able to build a run that large for that amount of money.

That said, it's not hawk-proof and it's not chick-tight.

 

[McChooky]

Hi everyone! Originally when we decided to start our backyard flock, we planned to let our chickens free range. However, now that I’ve learned a lot more about some of the risks that come with free ranging (and became emotionally attached, lol) I’m hesitant to let my babies outside all day. Are there any affordable alternatives that provide some protection, but allow access to pasture? I like the idea of a moveable structure, but I feel like that or building a run would likely be too expensive with the cost of material. Hopefully there are some thrifty solutions to this dilemma!

Edit- I should add that we live on a large rural property with no fencing.

I recommend you make this inexpensive A frame out of pallets and scrap lumber .Its the next best thing to free ranging & cheap to make! Be sure to watch both parts !

Part 1

Part 2