chicken run made with t-posts?

[ValerieJ]

We used t-posts too, but in the corners very large wooden posts, set deep. They came from small trees in our forest (about 4" diameter I would say). This provides a lot of stability. I also have bird netting over the top of open areas (between trees) to keep the eagles, hawks and owls out. We went with regular fencing, but I couldn't say which, similar to what Ghosty used. We've had the run 4 years and nothing has knocked any of it down. Good luck with your new run! I love when chickens have lots and lots of space to explore!!!

 

[Folly's place]

Woven wire is stronger than welded wire, BTW. It attaches to Tposts with the clips just fine.

 

[ValerieJ]

Woven wire is stronger than welded wire, BTW. It attaches to Tposts with the clips just fine.

Yes, my husband just told me ours is woven, and the bottom foot or so of the fencing is very narrow openings, which keep the babies in just fine.

 

[Tulips08]

How about several strands of electric, or electrified poultry netting? Check Premier1supplies.com, and HowardE has good advice on this site.
Your plan isn't bad at all, but actually there are alternatives. You will want it tall enough to walk in, and dig proof, and that's a lot harder to accomplish on a big scale.
I think that you won't have fun building fencing as described!
Mary

It's right up against my deck due to setback laws and I have a toddler, so I need him to get older. I checked premier1 and they specifically recommend not having electric where a toddler could trip into it (as, the recommendation noted, a child was killed when they hit their head on the wire- which I realize is a freak thing, but I'd like my kid to be older). Electric was my original plan, but honestly, this is going to not be super duper gigantic as I have to keep it within my setback laws. I just want to be able to use the entire space that I can legally. Thankfully I will have at least one big, strong man helping me... because, yeah. Not fun.

 

[Folly's place]

So true, not up close to a toddler!!!
The rest of us grab it once, and never again...
Mary

 

[Tulips08]

Wanna come build my run??? That's basically what I'm imagining but with netting over the top instead of the awesomeness you have there. Thanks for the tips on the hoop coops!

There are lots of ways to use Tposts and livestock panels...tho the clips may not work with the 1/4" rods on the LS panels.
But look for 'hoop coops':
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/65388042/?q=hoop+coop&t=post&o=date&c[title_only]=1

I used Tposts and 14ga 2x4 fencing...but went extreme DIY for the rafters.

 

[Tulips08]

I just built one with U post, similar concept as T post. I then attached 2x4x6 to them with nuts and bolts so I could have wood to attach different things too and to make it taller. Then ran hardware cloth.
View attachment 1829788

Sorry for the question, but what is the difference between a T-post and U-post? And why did you choose what you chose? (See? I know nothing... I'm learning lots here!) Love your set up. Very clever with the bolts and boards.

 

[aart]

Sorry for the question, but what is the difference between a T-post and U-post? And why did you choose what you chose? (See? I know nothing... I'm learning lots here!) Love your set up. Very clever with the bolts and boards.

A T-post is a solid forged or cast metal post in a few configurations.
A U-post is bent sheet metal in various gauges and shapes, some are quite flimsy.

Here's a rough example I found googling:

And some Tpost specs I had.

 

[Tortoise]

Sorry for the question, but what is the difference between a T-post and U-post? And why did you choose what you chose? (See? I know nothing... I'm learning lots here!) Love your set up. Very clever with the bolts and boards.

Thank you and ask away, no problem.
I chose the U post because I wanted to attach the 2x4's and i didnt think it would work as good with T posts which was my first choice. The treated 2x4 sit at ground level and are approximately 3 feet past the U post. Gives more stability to the U posts and gives me wood to easily attach things too. Also I didnt want to dig a bunch of holes to set post in cement because of our ground being a lot of clay plus it's harder work. A post driver is quick work and not permanent.

 

[sealer39]

I got my T posts (6) planted this morning. The driver worked well. I was done in about 30 minutes. I built and hung a nest box and roost. That’s it for today.