Chain Link Chicken Run Questions

[RottenFlower]

Hey, y'all!

We've got our girls coop about 99% complete (yay!) and their run is about 90% complete.

We spent today hanging hardware cloth (36" high, and we buried it 12" in front of the run), but we've run into a problem with the door to the run. We're using two chain link dog runs to keep the girls in, and I'm not really sure of a way to secure the door and allow us access. (We actually have two doors, but we've basically disabled one with hardware cloth).

Anyone else using a chain link run that can post some photos, or offer advice? If needed, I am happy to post photos (probably won't be until Tuesday!)

TYIA.

 

[RottenFlower]

BUMP.

Anyone? :/

 

[ocap]

I can try and help, if I can understand your problem
I have used chain link runs inside my larger coop.
John

 

[RottenFlower]

I can try and help, if I can understand your problem
I have used chain link runs inside my larger coop.
John

@ocap I guess the problem is that I'm just not sure how to secure the door of the run. There are gaps between the fencing and the door, and I don't know how to secure those without compromising my ability to get in and out of the run. I'm not sure if that explains any better or not. It's hard to describe, but not really? I'll try to post some photos tomorrow.

In the mean time, do you have any photos of what you've done with your chain link runs?

 

[RachRed]

I'm encountering the same issue. I was thinking of overlapping the hardware cloth to cover the gaps so that you could only open the gate in one direction.

 

[Going Quackers]

I used wood lattice across the top so yes that means door only swings one way then i tie on wooden boards.. those wouldn't be safe for overnight but the coop is IN the run, so i enclosed the birds at night in it... i have to block those gaps as a trio of silkies house in there and the hens are petite enough to squeeze through lol

 

[20736]

We use a chain link run surrounding our coops, so the coop is inside the run.
There is a gap around the gate, but we lock the coop up tight each night. Have not had a problem with daytime predators ever. The gate stops them well.
Hope this helps answer your question.

 

[ocap]

My suggestion is to put 12 inches of hardware cloth along the bottom of the run/door that you will need to step over when you enter. I do not think the gaps will be the problem but the latch on my chain link dog runs seems too weak for raccoons.

My run is made with 1x2 inch galvanized after weld 12.5 gauge wire, I constructed the run about fifteen years ago when wire prices were reasonable. The run is almost square, 32 by 30 feet with a ceiling of the same wire. the dog runs are separating chickens of different ages and breeds. the youngest chicks can squeeze through the chain link for several weeks but can't get through the 1x2 inch exterior "wall".
here is one place I have found similar wire (I have never ordered from this company):
http://www.wirefenceonline.com/product/PG12151524
the 12.5 gauge wire run has been used for several years without any predator problems, I think it is better than the current small gauge hardware cloth, that being said, I have begun using the currently available hardware cloth for my chicken tractors and have not had a predator get in them either.

 

[RenaG]

I was reading on another thread where they framed the door with 2x4. Of course the door now only opens one way but not big deal. We will be doing this on ours this week.

Not my picture, but what was found in another thread.

 

[MrSelf Destruct]

I was reading on another thread where they framed the door with 2x4. Of course the door now only opens one way but not big deal. We will be doing this on ours this week.

Not my picture, but what was found in another thread.

This is what I was going to suggest.