We made our run out of chainlink dog run panels. They were easy to install and allow us to reconfigure any time we want. I added a removeable polylight roof at 7 degree pitch. We put two sections in it with doors so we had an option for separating chickens if need be. Sometimes we put the roos in there to give the girls a rest while they are molting. We repurposed some solar screen panels to attach wherever we need a wind or sun break during the seasons. We added 1/2" mesh around bottom 4 ft of the fencing just as you are planning. We added an electric poultry mesh around the whole yard because of all the 4 legged preds around and have never lost a chicken since. We use a variety of takeoffs on the grazing frame idea to keep grass and fresh herbs available. I like the chain link as it is so versatile. We add wood branches and perches at different heights, just stick them through the links and cable tie them on. We added two dustbaths (small kiddie pools from Walmart) that are moveable and easy to clean. We hang feeders from the roof and put black garden trays under them to catch any spillage. We also have worked up a nice deep layer mulch in the run. The tray photo below was before the run was finished so you don't see the 1/2" mesh yet or the rich mulch. A lot of the materials were repurposed, so it's not the prettiest structure, but it's very functional and the chickens seem to love it.
We're just a little south of Newark and head up that way sometimes during garden season to spend a paycheck at Wilson's Garden Center!
We're just a little south of Newark and head up that way sometimes during garden season to spend a paycheck at Wilson's Garden Center!
