Big run fiasco--is it worth it?

[Cryss]

There comes a point imo when given the right kind of cover the chickens chances of survival are as good free ranging.

Not sure I see what you mean. If a run has a " right kind of cover " how can they be equally safe as free ranging?

 

[Birdsong 82]

I have all kinds of leaves large and small fall in my netting and it’s annoying but we just grab the leaf blower to get them off. Works great. Since the run is 7-8 ft tall we blow the off from below Mine free range but also have a very large covered run

 

[Shadrach]

Not sure I see what you mean. If a run has a " right kind of cover " how can they be equally safe as free ranging?

Because most runs don't have the right sort of cover and many not even the right sort of fence. I've lost count of the number of runs I've seen here on BYC fenced with chicken wire or panels with gaps large enough to let in mink, weasels, hands and snakes.
The problem is with such set ups is once the predator is in, the chickens can't escape. At least free range they are in with a chance.
A lot depends on the environment. And occasionally I do see a Fort Knox coop and run.

 

[Cryss]

I'm thinking mine is fort knox against all but mice, tiny frogs, and bears.
Run is covered in HC top, walls, and 2ft apron. Coop currently being built includes a floor base of pallets covered in hardware cloth topped with plywood, low

 

[Cryss]

Oops...hit the button by accident.

Lower 4 ft of wall frame wrapped in hardware cloth before applying plywood walls, 3 foot hardware cloth apron.

 

[Cryss]

Oh, and the run frame is 2 chain link dog runs connected for a 10X30X6 run.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

So for 11 years my chickens (around 6 hens) have had a totally enclosed 12 by 12 run, and an 8 by 8 coop, and seemed fairly content with the situation. They get locked up in the Fort Knox coop every night and I haven't lost any to predators. But my last batch of hens included 2 Welsummers that scream at me whenever they see me, and a Black Austrolorp that tries to get out when I open the door. So I decided to close in a bigger area for them, and the other side of the coop has a nice wooded, shrubby area.

The big run started as a 17 by 42 foot area that was going to be just fenced with 4' fencing (keep it simple, ha ha). Then I worried about them flying over and digging the edges, so I put in 6' posts and added 2' of bird netting and a skirting. I'll probably replace the bird netting with more welded wire, it's too flimsy. Now I saw a small hawk eyeballing the chicks, so I'm looking to purchase aviary netting to cover the whole thing. I'm going to have to put in support posts in the middle, and figure out a way to roll things up when the trees dump their leaves. Plus I have to chop down some large rhodies and other shrubs to get the netting in.

This has been so much work, are they even going to appreciate this? Does anyone have an idea how to deal with the aviary netting in leaf season? Am I on the right track?

Not worth it to me, I’ve thought about adding an additional run or yard... but I think I’ve decided against it.

I have a similar sized coop and covered run that you described having before adding the extra space, and my strategy is I only keep birds raised from a chick, so that they only know this setup... and don’t know the outside world...

That way they don’t try to escape and they don’t whine...

Are they happy? Well I’d say they’re blissfully ignorant.

There are limitations to this kind of approach, though...

... you can’t ever let them range, and you have to choose breeds that take confinement well, you can’t practice chicken math, and you must value the balance of the coop over any particular bird or birds, and you have to cull out trouble makers...

... for instance I have a splash ameraucana that is currently upsetting the balance... the blue eggs are interesting, but her days are numbered

Maybe that’ll help, maybe not.... it’s just a different approach, it’s not for everyone though

 

[chookchick]

Just curious.....did you add these birds to existing birds.....if so, how long ago?

Good luck on your run project, hang in there, it will be worth it in the end.

I had two much older hens when I integrated two years ago. One of them recently died. What are you thinking regarding this--bullying?

 

[chookchick]

Thanks so much for the feedback, it is really interesting to see the range of opinions on the subject. I guess I would lean towards the slightly paranoid of predators end.

Jreardon--your setup looks a lot like mine! and your thinking on the big run is similar.

I agree that breed selection is very important when you have a smaller run! I would stick with Wyandottes, Buff Orpingtons and maybe a couple Easter Eggers if I did it all over again. One of my Welsummers is way too smart for her own good!

 

[sharondoright]

We also have a "secure" run, coop, and a bigger run. Our big run is 80'x10', running along our 6' wood privacy fence. It is worth it for me. Your situation has lots of hazards. Is there any other way to create a larger run for them? I am considering chunnels... If you plan well, you can make them somewhat portable, which could be really cool. If I do replace big run with chunnels, I plan to use PVC "hoops" with the aviary netting attached, and putting some little stakes into the bottom of the hoop to "plant" it where I want. Then, with the netting, I could take the hoops up, and collapse them for storage. Also, you could then vary the scenery by making various pathways with the chunnels.