Chicken Run

[603Chickens]

I am new to chickens this year and I am looking to build a chicken run, similar to the pictures below. I currently have 5 chickens but would like to build a run that is suitable for 8. I am not very construction savy so I am hoping someone who has built something similar or who is constriction savy can give me a list of materials/instructions on how to build!

Should I have more on the roof then chicken wire?

Also I plan on putting the run in an area with alot of grass is this ok or should I dig it up for the chickens?

TIA

Stephanie

 

[DobieLover]

I am new to chickens this year and I am looking to build a chicken run, similar to the pictures below. I currently have 5 chickens but would like to build a run that is suitable for 8. I am not very construction savy so I am hoping someone who has built something similar or who is constriction savy can give me a list of materials/instructions on how to build!

Should I have more on the roof then chicken wire?

Also I plan on putting the run in an area with alot of grass is this ok or should I dig it up for the chickens?

TIA

Stephanie

Are you going to be attaching the run to your coop?
How level is the site you want to build on?
Do you have access to a truck and tools?
Where are you located in the world? You can update your profile page with that information. It makes a difference on how you build. If you are in a high wind area, you will want to anchor it to the ground in some fashion.
I would put a solid roof on it. Either polycarbonate, metal or shingles over OSB.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Lumber usually comes in 4' increments so multiples of 4 will give you the biggest bang for your buck, so I'd say 8x12 at the smallest, and if you have more room, go larger (12x12, etc). And make sure it's tall enough that you can stand up straight inside - for some folks 6' is enough but if you have a tall family, 8' might be better.

For the roof, a solid roof is most secure and weather proof but that's up to you if you want it. You could do wire mesh or netting as well, depending on your predators and climate. If you have a heavy snow load some sort of slanted roof would be your best bet, but wire/netting can handle some snow, if you don't get a lot.

The chickens will destroy the grass for you so I'd leave it for them to enjoy/destroy, then once it's mostly gone you can add your litter of choice. Sand and deep litter are the most popular options, each has pros and cons to consider.

 

[jthornton]

The chickens will take care of the grass in no time!

You should put your location in your profile, it makes a difference.

JT

 

[603Chickens]

Are you going to be attaching the run to your coop?
How level is the site you want to build on?
Do you have access to a truck and tools?
Where are you located in the world? You can update your profile page with that information. It makes a difference on how you build. If you are in a high wind area, you will want to anchor it to the ground in some fashion.
I would put a solid roof on it. Either polycarbonate, metal or shingles over OSB.

The place for the run is pretty level. We have access to tools and a truck. We are in Seacoast NH.

 

[603Chickens]

Lumber usually comes in 4' increments so multiples of 4 will give you the biggest bang for your buck, so I'd say 8x12 at the smallest, and if you have more room, go larger (12x12, etc). And make sure it's tall enough that you can stand up straight inside - for some folks 6' is enough but if you have a tall family, 8' might be better.

For the roof, a solid roof is most secure and weather proof but that's up to you if you want it. You could do wire mesh or netting as well, depending on your predators and climate. If you have a heavy snow load some sort of slanted roof would be your best bet, but wire/netting can handle some snow, if you don't get a lot.

The chickens will destroy the grass for you so I'd leave it for them to enjoy/destroy, then once it's mostly gone you can add your litter of choice. Sand and deep litter are the most popular options, each has pros and cons to consider.

Thank you for the reply! What do you recommend for a slanted roof? We are in NH so there will be a good amount of snow!

 

[rosemarythyme]

What do you recommend for a slanted roof? We are in NH so there will be a good amount of snow!

A metal roof would probably the most sturdy. Some folks like polycarbonate panels like suntuf but I don't know how well that'll do with a lot of snow weight.

 

[DobieLover]

A metal roof would probably the most sturdy. Some folks like polycarbonate panels like suntuf but I don't know how well that'll do with a lot of snow weight.

I used them on my old run and they held up just fine to the 16" deepest load we had last year. The snow slides off pretty quickly. But I had about a 12/5 pitch on it.

 

[Jadelynmerkel19]

I am new to chickens this year and I am looking to build a chicken run, similar to the pictures below. I currently have 5 chickens but would like to build a run that is suitable for 8. I am not very construction savy so I am hoping someone who has built something similar or who is constriction savy can give me a list of materials/instructions on how to build!

Should I have more on the roof then chicken wire?

Also I plan on putting the run in an area with alot of grass is this ok or should I dig it up for the chickens?

TIA

Stephanie

Do you plans for this? That include a materials list? Thanks!

 

[jthornton]

There are a couple of ways to frame out the run, posts put into holes in the ground and framing attached to that or free standing.

This is my post construction run.


I used brackets to fasten most of the framing together.




The trusses were built up using bits of plywood as nailers to hold them together. I'll have to get a photo of that.

When building keep in mind the width of the welded wire you're going to use so you have a board to nail that to.

JT