Building Duck Run...very confused

[caymusjordan]

Hello! We have two ducklings that will need to move outside to their new coop and run in a few weeks. We purchased a coop and want to build the enclosure around it. We are building it next to an existing shed (not attached), but it should help in the winter with the blowing snow (we live south of Denver).

We are not "handy"...and are struggling with how to build the run. We have an area just over 12'x22' planned for the enclosure - this will have plenty of space for the coop and a "pond" that we built that can be drained and cleaned easily.

We dug a trench around the space - originally thought we would bury cinderblocks around and then build the run on top, but now we are thinking of pouring concrete in the trench. Plan to bury posts (set in concrete) every 6' or so and attach the chicken wire to this. We want to have at least half the roof covered with a hard surface to provide shade and cover from snow and rain/hail. We can't figure out how to have all the posts the same height since our ground is sloping and how to keep it square - did I mention we have no woodworking skills?

I've gotten great ideas on this site through photos, (and details for how to put the door on safely), but would love to find actual plans for building the frame and roof of a run. I'm sure I sound a bit inept, but I want the run to be sturdy (snow, hail and heavy winds) and predator proof (we have coyotes, raccoons, and owls)...

Thank you for any assistance!

 

[Meg-in-MT]

To square it you'll have to pull the corners with a measuring tape diagonally and make sure that they are even. You can use concrete stakes and string to set it up for a visual and a guide.

As far as the posts on unlevel ground, you've got to figure out how tall your roofline will be, use a level (or something to get you close enough but not too short), figure out how deep you're setting the posts and get the corresponding length. You will more than likely have to trim your posts. Do you know how far the grade falls? Do you have a buddy with a laser or carpentry experience?

Also going to depend on how "perfect" you want it to be Are you doing a pitched roof or shed roof?

As an aside: you should wrap it in hardware cloth and not chicken wire. I say that as a safety precaution, though mine is wrapped in chicken wire and cow panels.

 

[caymusjordan]

To square it you'll have to pull the corners with a measuring tape diagonally and make sure that they are even. You can use concrete stakes and string to set it up for a visual and a guide.

As far as the posts on unlevel ground, you've got to figure out how tall your roofline will be, use a level (or something to get you close enough but not too short), figure out how deep you're setting the posts and get the corresponding length. You will more than likely have to trim your posts. Do you know how far the grade falls? Do you have a buddy with a laser or carpentry experience?

Also going to depend on how "perfect" you want it to be Are you doing a pitched roof or shed roof?

As an aside: you should wrap it in hardware cloth and not chicken wire. I say that as a safety precaution, though mine is wrapped in chicken wire and cow panels.

Thank you Meg!
Yes, we will plan to use hardware cloth on sides. Thinking half of roof will be covered with solid surface and half with wire - not hardware cloth. Looking at a pitched roof since that is what the shed next to the run has (and I think it will be easier).

Not sure of grade - could be up to 10". I don't think we will level the entire area - just the outside where we will put the "foundation" (cement and bury the hardware cloth in front of the cement).