Cheapest option for duck run?

[AmberCamilia]

Hey everyone! I am having to expand my current run and was wondering if anyone knew of a cheaper option than what I previously done. My current run is 8x16, built with 2x4s and 4x4s (4x4s for the foundation). The run is about 6' tall, covered in bird netting. It works and looks great, but I was hoping for a cheaper way to add on to it.

I want to be able to walk through the run, so it needs to be at least 6' tall. Here's the basics:

• 8x16
• 6' tall
• Covered
• Does not have to be "super" predator proof, since my ducks go in at night and on bad days
• Needs to be stationary, I don't want to move it around
• Does not have to look good
• Needs to be sturdy enough to withstand normal conditions
• CHEAP!

I've seen some people use regular t post fences and attach PVC covers, but I have no idea how to go about doing this.

ANY information will be much appreciated - thank you!

 

[PirateGirl]

I just built my duck run on a budget. The first picture (pyramid) is a configuration I was playing with that was strong and gave the ducks lots of room, but I decided did not give me enough headroom.

The second picture is what I went with, an A Frame. The A Frame allows the whole thing to be fully covered, but gives you headroom. The angled sides are pretty much 8ft equilateral triangles. It can be covered with any type of fencing (I'd go to your local hardware store and figure out what's the best bang for your buck) I probably spent about $150. (It added up quick) $50 was screws, hinges, latches, fencing staples.

 

[CrazyChickens09]

With my chickens I use a couple of 10'x10'x6' chain link dog runs. I have used these for 3-4 years with no problems. I will be buying a couple more to put together breeding pens for my more "upscale" chickens this spring. While it may not be super budget friendly, I find the ability to easily set up (single person) and expand it(single panels readily available) plus the added benefit of being able too configure it to my landscape, well worth the cost, plus if I ever got out of chickens, they store easily or sell quickly in these parts.

 

[PirateGirl]

With my chickens I use a couple of 10'x10'x6' chain link dog runs. I have used these for 3-4 years with no problems. I will be buying a couple more to put together breeding pens for my more "upscale" chickens this spring. While it may not be super budget friendly, I find the ability to easily set up (single person) and expand it(single panels readily available) plus the added benefit of being able too configure it to my landscape, well worth the cost, plus if I ever got out of chickens, they store easily or sell quickly in these parts.

Search craigslist for dog kennels! Sometimes this is the best deal.

 

[CrazyChickens09]

I just built my duck run on a budget. The first picture (pyramid) is a configuration I was playing with that was strong and gave the ducks lots of room, but I decided did not give me enough headroom.

The second picture is what I went with, an A Frame. The A Frame allows the whole thing to be fully covered, but gives you headroom. The angled sides are pretty much 8ft equilateral triangles. It can be covered with any type of fencing (I'd go to your local hardware store and figure out what's the best bang for your buck) I probably spent about $150. (It added up quick) $50 was screws, hinges, latches, fencing staples.

I like this idea, thank you for sharing your pictures.

 

[CrazyChickens09]

Search craigslist for dog kennels! Sometimes this is the best deal.

It is! thanks for the suggestion.

 

[PirateGirl]

oh, and check the "free" section on craigslist or search for "fencing" after a construction project is done, sometimes you can get cheap fence panels, or if someone has a partial roll left after they fence their property... and you never know what you'll find for free!

 

[Abraeri]

Agree with the dog fencing. We got two and put them together. Our's didn't come with a top though, so we put chicken wire on top.

 

[AmberCamilia]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I love the idea of using dog kennels, but they're pretty pricey new. Maybe I can find some used ones for sale. It would definitely be easier than building something.

The A-Frame idea is great though. It doesn't seem too difficult, nor too expensive. Thank you!

 

[Abraeri]

I don't know where you live, but we got ours from craigslist for a pretty good price, don't remember how much. They had to be assembled, thats it. It seems like you are leaning towards building an A frame, but if you do buy a dog kennel that is uncovered, make sure you don't cover it with anything solid like a tarp... seems like common sense in hind sight, but that's what we did and it rained really bad one day and the roof caved in... the supports are still a little bent from the incident.