Chain Link Dog Kennnel Run??

[littlepeepers]

I was debating using a dog kennel as a run for our chickens, but I want to be able to move it around every couple of weeks or so. Since we live in the Pacific Northwest, we get a lot of rain so part of the run would have to be covered and some of the sides would be too. I'm not sure what materials we would use for the roof or the sides. I know that the chain link is really heavy but do you think that 3 strong people would be able to move the run (with the roof and sides covered) around? It wouldn't be everyday, so what do you think? Any advice for covering the run, besides a tarp, we need something stronger? Thank you so much!

 

[Imp]

Hi little.....

I'm in the Seattle area and use a 6 x 6 x 6 chainlink kennel for the run. I do not move it, but remember when I put it together I had no problem moving it around. I use the corrugated clear plastic panels for the roof and they have stood up to the weather for about 6 years now. One thing to be aware of is that some predators like raccoons can reach through chainlink and pull chickens out in pieces. So some need to wrap chainlink with hardwire cloth. I do not.

Imp

ETA- Some preds may try to dig as well.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I think you would be able to move one of those small 4ft x 6ft one but anything bigger is gonna be a real B.

In addition to putting chicken wire or hardware cloth up the sides about 2 ft, you are going to have to cover the top and put a skirt on it so nothing can get under it.

 

[patandchickens]

There are several people (at least) here who've put wheels on chainlink dog runs and say they are really quite moveable that way, even at a larger size than you'd expect. Alas, the only references that I can find with a quick three minutes of 'search' are https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=98006 and I know that Iceblink (BYC member) has something like that for her lambs.

Could I suggest posting a new thread with a title something like "who has put wheels on a chainlink dog kennel?", hopefully it will troll up other people, or at least people who know who those people ARE

I *know* there are good setups illustrated here somewhere. It is not the easiest thing to "search" for, unfortunately (although spending more than my three minutes might help

)

For a lightweight roof I would recommend using plastic corrugated roofing panels (READ MFR'S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, it really does matter!) on a framework of 2x4s; or if you can deal with not having any roof overhang and don't get too much snow, you could make a cattle-panel-style hoop roof and cover it with 6-8 mil plastic (make sure to brace internally so it can't sway or collapse under wind/snow, though)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Centralflafred]

When I first started out I was using a 10X10X6 dog kennel I bought from Tractor Supply. MY son and I had no problem moving it. We simply put a 6' piece of pipe into the chain links on two oppisite corners. With Jr. picking up one pipe and myself on the other from the inside we were able to move it quite well.

As an aside I have since bought another 10X10 and attached the two of them together so now it is 10X30 and we don't move it.