I purchased a secondhand coop a few weeks ago and spent this past weekend (the.whole.weekend) framing out a run... I think I used about as many deck screws as profanities.... but I'm proud of the progress so far since I did this pretty much alone with no prior experience with framing or the miter saw. I wouldn't get too close with a level, t-square (or magnet).. but it's pretty solid.
Specs... The coop is 4x4 and the run (including the space under the coop) is 8x12. This should be plenty for the 3 chickens we're planning on. I used 2x3 pre cut studs for the frame with a base of landscape timbers. The coop is elevated on half cinder blocks.
Design.... I set out to build a run with a roof that matched the grade of the coop roof... but I wanted it wider than 4ft. I couldn't just extend the roof grade because I didn't want it to interfere with the under roof vents on the coop... and one side would be only 3ft high. So I designed it with 2 roof grades (~15*, ~10*) with a drop between them, allowing air to pass through once the polycarb panels are attached. I'm hoping this will make the roof less of a sail.
Of course, there's a ton left to do. For the run, I still need a few more rafters, polycarb panels, paint, a door, apron and hardware cloth. For the coop, I am planning a full scale decontamination, additional ventilation, HC over vents and screens and better latches. With a full time job, this wont be complete until at least mid August. I will do a full write up with photos, materials, costs (and lessons learned) once finished... You'll likely see me on here with questions before then
In the meantime, it seems the run will be inspected nightly by the neighborhood skunk... Enjoy it now buddy, I'm fencing you out soon... Hmm, I should probably add deskunk shampoo to my next Amazon order...
Specs... The coop is 4x4 and the run (including the space under the coop) is 8x12. This should be plenty for the 3 chickens we're planning on. I used 2x3 pre cut studs for the frame with a base of landscape timbers. The coop is elevated on half cinder blocks.
Design.... I set out to build a run with a roof that matched the grade of the coop roof... but I wanted it wider than 4ft. I couldn't just extend the roof grade because I didn't want it to interfere with the under roof vents on the coop... and one side would be only 3ft high. So I designed it with 2 roof grades (~15*, ~10*) with a drop between them, allowing air to pass through once the polycarb panels are attached. I'm hoping this will make the roof less of a sail.
Of course, there's a ton left to do. For the run, I still need a few more rafters, polycarb panels, paint, a door, apron and hardware cloth. For the coop, I am planning a full scale decontamination, additional ventilation, HC over vents and screens and better latches. With a full time job, this wont be complete until at least mid August. I will do a full write up with photos, materials, costs (and lessons learned) once finished... You'll likely see me on here with questions before then
In the meantime, it seems the run will be inspected nightly by the neighborhood skunk... Enjoy it now buddy, I'm fencing you out soon... Hmm, I should probably add deskunk shampoo to my next Amazon order...
I made a DIY roof rake and used a telescoping handle that extends 6-7' for my 10x10 sheds. Do a 'warm run'(way before snow) to test your accessibility.
