Chain Link Fence for Runs?

[preacher1]

My 5 year old and I are just now getting started with chickens. We expect our first pullets the first of May. We will be getting around 8 to 12 pullets. I'm working on designing my coop and run. I have some 6' tall chain link fence, some post and a gate that someone has given me. Will the chain link fence work ok for the run? I was a little concerned about the opening sizes in the chain link. I also plan to put either netting or build a top over the run. Is it necesary to have a covering if the fence is 6' tall? Thanks

 

[Weewanona]

Hi,

Chain link fencing will work just fine for a run. My pen is made out of the 10' portable sections of fencing for dog kennels. Just run chickenwire around the inside of the pen to keep chicken heads from poking through and getting chewed off by the local predators.

And I would definately cover the top of your pen/run. Coons are great climbers.

Plus it will keep the hawks from divebombing your fowl.

 

[keljonma]

You may want to use 1/4" hardware cloth around the bottom half of the chain link so that no predator can reach in and grab one of the birds.

 

[crystal]

We're using a chain link dog run for the chickens as well and plan on using 1/2" hardware cloth at the bottom. But how about the floor of the run? I was going to use chicken wire underneath to prevent rats from digging under (warned by neighbors) but a friend said rats can chew through chicken wire. But putting 1/2" hardware cloth down the entire run is quite expensive. What are others doing for the floor of their run?

 

[Picco]

I use 5' chain link in my yard where the chickens are aloud to roam. I don't have a cover but I don't really have a problem with predation where I live so its not really needed, but i would suggest puting one on if you can just to be safe. I don't have any thing on the bottom either but I suggest using it to keep more predators out and to keep chicks in.

 

[El Paso Linda]

I have a 8' X 16' dog run that sits on concrete. I have a heavy duty tarp over the top that hangs down about 2 feet on each side. I put netting around the bottom 2 feet when the chicks were young to keep them in. I have their coop inside the run. It is easy to clean and now that the bantum silkies are full grown, they free range during the day and stay in the run until about 8am each day so they can eat and lay their eggs and go back into the run about 1 hour before sundown to eat before bed. I also use part of the run for corinex quail and have their part lined with 1/2" mesh to keep them in.
I have cats that visit my yard at night but they can't get into the run. I have hawks and owls in the area and they can't get into the run either. I give the quail and chickens straw and hay so the floor of the run is comfortable for the quail and chickens.
Over all I am very happy with my set up and recommend chain link runs with a tarp cover to protect from the sun, rain and snow.