fencing/coop questions

[wjallen05]

I'm affraid to let my chickens free-range any more, because I started out with 10 and I am left with 2 from the original 10. We found out that two wild-ish dogs were sneaking onto our property and having our chickens for snacks. We also have a resident hawk on our property.

Here is what we have now... (pretty creative, I thought) (btw, the reason for the boards is that we tore down part of the lattice and had goat pins for my pregnant does. it is 4-board fence so we just stuck boards up there so the chickens couldn't get out. also there is chicken wire on the top)

(yes, I realize it is a bit crowded in there)

We cut a hole in the lattice and made a coop for them under the porch.

We are going to be building another coop this week for the Buff Orpingtons (2 hens, 2 pullets, 1 cockerel)

Anyhow, I am wondering the best way to go about building an outdoor run for them. Something easy, practical, and in-expensive. It will be right next to the goat pasture where we have 3 Great Pyrenees, which is right next to the house, so I am not concerened about preditors. (other than my own cats). What is the best type of fencing to use, also what should we use for a cover so that they can't fly out. Any ideas would be greatly appriciated!
TIA!

 

[lizard7]

I like your use of space! Don't know what to say about the run but I am needing to do that myself as I have had a hawk scare recently. Yours do have some space to run around and if you are down to 2, then I wouldn't worry about it for now.

 

[wjallen05]

Oh I have 10 now... lol... I had 10, got down to 2, then got 8 more...

I won't be loosing anymore (hopefully) because I won't let them out any more (sad)

 

[orcasislandchickens]

Don't be sad about the decision you had to make to keep them safe. They still have a good life.

 

[Lea71]

Hi there.....our run is completely enclosed and attached to the coop. The run is 18 feet by 6 feet and about 3 1/2 feet high. It's not as tall as some enclosures but the chickens don't seem to mind. My hubby built it with 2"X4"'s and hardware cloth (much safer than chicken wire). The top of the run has two sections that lift off so I can clean it. Here's some pics...and yes, that is a hawk trying to figure out how to get in there.

 

[Teach97]

That is a cool picture of the hawk on the coop. I had one sitting on my quail cages one day. The quail were freaked and the hawk was

...you get the picture...I opened the door and he left and has not returned. As for the original intent of this....

...Wish I could talk my wife into letting me turn that unused space under the porches into coop space...that would be another benefit of living the double wide dream!

 

[chicksalot]

Fencing in a run can be just as unique/creative as coops. I also admire your inguinuity with your coop!

Good job,and if it works for you...what more do you need, right??