height of run

[Chickenrunlady]

I am getting ready to build the run to connect to my coop. I am wondering about the height of the run. Hardware cloth is a bit pricey and I have already spent way more on the coop that I was hoping. But I am having fun doing it. I realize if I make it 4 feet tall it won't be easy for me to be in it. But I am trying to make due with what I have. I have a 50 feet roll of 2 feet wide hardware cloth. The plan is to free range the gang when I am home. But I need some space for them when I am away. Pics are attached of my coop. It's not 100% finished yet. Thoughts and advice would be much appreciated. Btw planning on having my run covered either with a slant roof or just the hardware cloth, and will make sure they have shade Thank you.


r




I am planning on having my chicken free range most of the time. But when I am not home I will have a run for them. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[Folly's place]

You will seriously regret being unable to stand upright in your run!!! I'd recommend that you run your hardware cloth vertically on the run framing, rather than horizontally. More hardware cloth will be needed, but taller is better, and it's easier to securely attach it that way. I understand that Amazon 'sells for less' at times too. Mary

 

[ChickenMammX4]

I agree with Mary, doing a clean-out bent over or crawling on your belly through poop-riddled grass/mud to grab that wayward chicken or egg won't be fun. You will thank yourself in the years to come!

 

[suderm]

For what its worth, I am currently building a 3 foot tall run with a detachable roof so I can remove it (or more likely tilt it open with hinges) for easy cleaning. It might be a bit of extra engineering in your construction but from the looks of your coop I think you could manage it!

 

[Chickenrunlady]

Not planning on crawling on my belly
My run will have a skirt and staked down but will also be movable, remove the stakes and move to a new licstion. My coop will be on wheels, wheels are not on yet. Reason for it is that I will be bringing the coop in the barn for the winter. Farm is in an open field,mouthing facing the farm and a failed large river about 10km away. The winds are incredible here durin the winter. So I am planning on wheeling it in for the winter. And let them run loose if they choose daily in the indoor arena.
I appreciate you opinions.. I think I'll be making it 6 feet tall and 6x 8.

 

[bucky52]

I would do a 7 foot tall run.It will save you many bruised and bumps on the head.I know that from experience.The first run my husband added to our little coop.is four ft. in height.Its killer on your back.to be bent over.I have knock myself silly many of times and still do.he has built four more runs and another coop.Those runs are now 7 ft. in height.Every time he bumps his head he says he is going to tear down that short run.but has not happen yet.The last run we added was 10x30.we took dog kennels and attacked them to each other.we put welded wire on the top.and than covered the sides with chicken wire.we have two human doors on each end,than have two human doors going into the other runs.easy access in to each run.