Chicken Run. Stumped on what I should do.

[Theurbanhomestead]

If you want a slightly cheaper option than 4x4s you can use landscaping timbers as long as you are not putting anything to large on top of it. I have used them for pens before and they have held up for at least the last 5 years, we will see what the future holds.

Another thing to think about that I wish I would have done is to make a door/gate that is large enough to get a wheelbarrow into the run area as it makes scooping out the compost much easier. Not sure if that's something you want to be able to do but I wish I had done that.

 

[perkolator]

4x4 posts sitting on top of raised concrete piers/footings, would keep things above ground to minimize ground contact, and helps deal with any non-level ground. If you want the aesthetic of a level and solid bottom plate, add a horizontal joist on top of the footings, and fill in below with cheap and easily replaceable cedar fence boards or pallet slats; or just use the wall fencing to close the gap, as I'd assume it will be connected to an anti-dig skirting. Good luck