Chicken Run - 2 x 4 or 2 x 3 boards to frame

[Justicedog]

I bought a 4x8' Chicken Coop, but am building an enclosure for them. it's going to be around the side and back of the coop. I had some old/used preasure treated 4x4s around that I'm using as a base around the perimeter, burying chicken wire under it.

To build the sides, I was planning on using untreated 2x4s, staining them to match the coop. However, I was wondering if I could use 2x3s instead. The sides will be 5-6 feet, one side with a people door.

I can afford 2x4s, but am a cheapskate, so thought I may get by with 2x3s, what do you think?

 

[pineneedlefarms]

stick with the 2 by 4's. I used 2 by 6's that I got from a deck to make my run area.

 

[Justicedog]

Thanks.

I've got 6 chickens and the outdoor run area will be 144 square feet, if I don't include under the coop it's 116 square feet. I always hear the formula of 10 square feet per chicken, so mine will be about double that. I assume that's not going to be an issue - bigger is better and all that. Is there any potential problem of having a "too large" enclosure?

 

[Carols Clucks]

2x3's only save you a few pennies here, I use them for somethings but for a run, I would use the 2x4's

 

[pineneedlefarms]

I like to have more room then necessary, just make sure you can comfortably walk in the run area. I plan on going back and adding 2 feet to one side, to create a slop, attach drain and then collect the water in a barrell. I've scraped my head 2 many times. Good luck

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I built my run using 2x3's as a frame and 1x2 welded wire.

The coop is 4 ft by 6 ft and the total foot print is 12 ft by 8 ft for a flock of 6 pullets and 2 ducks.





I seriously thought about digging the wire into the ground to protect the flock from predators, but oppted instead to put in a base of railroad ties to support the coop off the ground and to anchor the run.

It is very solid.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

Great setup! A couple of observations though.

1. make sure you sprinkle copious amounts of pdz or another stall refreshener product in the run to make sure you keep on top of smells. Otherwise you may not like sitting on your deck as much

2. The gap I'm seeing between the RR tie and the door to the run is easy access for smaller critters such as weasels and snakes. I'd try to make that as tight as possible all around.
3. Any digging creature can dig underneath the RR tie and get access. I'd advise to put some wire horizontally for about 12-18 inches fastened to the RR tie on the ground. You can cover it with sod or stones.
4. Put some wire on top of the run to the deck so that nothing can climb over.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

The inside of the run is a mulch system...there is no obnocious odors, just a rich earthy smell.

 

[pineneedlefarms]

Looks nice

 

[Rock Home Isle]

The girls packed the grass in the run down to a mat. Leaf litter makes a much better compost material, but that material won't be really avaliable for several more months.

I opened a bag of woodshavings and added a 3 inch layer to the run. The flock works the woodshavings everyday.

Now I just wait till fall and leaves.