Fixing to remodel "outdoor run"...would this work?

[akcskye]

All of my chickens are adults, and we're fixing to "upgrade" the outdoor run to accomodate us and them.

Currently, we have a metal shed with a hole cut out with tin snips and the edges "softened" that leads into their outdoor run.

Currently, the outdoor run is about 4x6x3 with chicken wire and t-posts at all the corners.

For obvious reasons, this is a pain, but the best we could do when we were short on time and money...and it worked until our run was compromised today by pit bulls.

So...this is what I am planning to do, please tell me what you think about this...any design flaws, etc.

I am a visual person, so I apologize if the explanation is vague...please ask questions if something doesn't make sense:

1. Removal of the old run
2. Build a wooden frame consisting of 3 sides (allowing for drilling to the side of the shed) about twice as long, and as tall as the eave of the shed, to allow for us to be able to get in the outer part without crouching (I have a bad back). The frame would come a little more than flush to the back of the shed and be drilled into the metal.
3. On the far side of the run, making the frame to where a hinged door can be installed, with a locking mechanism and hinges to be able to open to access the run.
4. Fine chicken wire about 3 foot of it's height, then covered over by chain link that will be as tall as the frame, and also covering the top of the frame.
5. Metal or plastic cover over 1/2 of the top of the run for rain/element protection.
6. Considering burying the bottom part of the frame in a trench with concrete.
7. Outdoor perches or not??? Perches adequate inside the shed, as well as nesting area.

We're going for "dog proof" and "human accessible" as well as expanding the size for the chickens.

Any more ideas or suggestions GREATLY appreciated.

 

[tiffanyh]

Burying the bottom is a good idea, instead of chicken wire on the chain link, what about thick gauge welded wire, it seems a bit stronger.

See if someone else chimes in. I dont have any dog proofing experience.

 

[justusnak]

With Chain link on the outside, and chicken wire on the inside, this should be good. However, some larger breed dogs, like the ones you are dealing with, WILL get through the chain link, if they want to bad enough. Can you put electric on the fence??Just around the outside...and crank it up for a few days...just to let the dogs know, you mean business. Also....if possible, burry the chain link about 12 inches as well. So if they dig, they will hit the chain link. Good luck with the dog proofing...and I HOPE you called the police on those dogs!