Extending a run

[Riverbend Farms]

How should I try to extend my run? I have a producers pride coop and I want to lengthen the run out. I would use some wood to lengthen the run, but how should I go about attaching wood to the metal frame and making sure there are no holes for predators to get into?

 

[StinkyAcres]

What kind of run do you have currently? Stainless steel pipe clamps can be used to connect wood to metal runs.

 

[Riverbend Farms]

This is the type of metal the run is.

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

I bought a run from Walmart and zip tied things together. I DO NOT believe my run to be predator proof as it is zip ties and chicken wire. But I think you could use the basic frame and some of the chicken wire for the top and then some of the metal mesh wire along the bottom to make a more secure run. Our only real daytime predators are hawks, so this has worked well so far and then the girls are closed up in the little run and coop at night.

 

[StinkyAcres]

View attachment 4180301
This is the type of metal the run is.

You may be able to get a stainless steel pipe strapping that is small enough to fit through the mesh.

This kind of thing: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stainles...PHYGAG&sprefix=stainless+steel+pipe+strapping

All you'd need to do is cut it to length, wrap it around the metal, and screw it to the wood on your run extension.

 

[perkolator]

If you're planning to build the frame of the new run extension from wood, simply drill some holes through the metal square tube frame, and pass screws through into the wood frame. If that's too much, use plumber's strapping/hanger strap. Could even use J-bolts, zipties, clamps, or many other devices to join the two together.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I bought a run from Walmart and zip tied things together.

I'd get something similar to the run shown here, reinforce it against the predators you have (and snow weight if that's a concern), and just put the entire unit inside, no need to cut or fit anything.

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

I'd get something similar to the run shown here, reinforce it against the predators you have (and snow weight if that's a concern), and just put the entire unit inside, no need to cut or fit anything.

I almost did that with mine! But I didn't want to "lose" any run space and my backyard is kinda small which is why I did the angle. I want to eventually make some chicken tunnels so they can explore other areas and not worry about the hawks. There's a nesting pair of hawks in the trees behind my house

 

[Bigdumogre]

Tractor supply sells the 10' x 10' steel run and you can combine them together to extend them. It what i have right now and really like it. Just ran 4' tall hardware cloth alongside the whole sides and another 2' going around the ground of the perimeter. And used a universal cover lining to protect against rain and snow. Im also 6'4 and i have plenty of headroom walking around in most of it (Minus where the roof panels attach to the sides which drops it to around 6'.