Help me convert this dog run!

[koreecat]

Hi chicken friends! I need your creative ideas. If I wanted to utilize this area of my yard as my chicken area. Currently there is a chain link dog run with an old metal shed in it (that I plan to get rid of and replace with a wooden coop). The dog run is about 12.2ft by 7.5ft.

The fence is not tall enough though because when I add a covering I want to be able to walk into it. Has anyone has luck modifying short chain link fences?

Extension kits have mixed reviews and seem like I’d be spending just as much money as I would if I tore it down and built a wooden run.

Would love to hear about your ideas or experiences as this is all new to me!

I am building a space for just 3 rescue hens btw.

 

[rosemarythyme]

When you say modifying the fence, what specifically do you want to do?

I have a 4' chain link fence as part of my run, but have elevated netting 6' and higher to allow myself full access inside, using U-posts and tension wire and netting. I happen to have my coop available as the central support, but without that you would need to add some center supports too.

(Note that this is NOT predator proof, only predator resistant.)

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't know how to work with the short fence, but if your part of California has mild winters and hot summers I suggest that you get rid of those doors completely (or put them up on posts as shade structure), and substitute a wire wall. Metal sheds are notorious for over-heating and need loads and loads of ventilation.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

@aart @black_cat

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Well, good news is that the fence appears to be in good shape overall and well secured. I don't see a lot of bowing, sagging, or other evidence of poor construction originally.

What is the purpose of the top covering? Are you deterring aerial predators? Trying to add shade/rain protection, or trying to predator proof the run?

and what's the budget? Sounds like "cheap", which is something I understand and can appreciate.

Which need you are addressing will influence which method to use to to roof it.

 

[black_cat]

Do you want to make the shed into your coop, or use the fencing as a run?

 

[Morrigan]

I live near your neck of the woods -- a little higher in elevation, but still more a scrub oak type terrain than true alpine. We have tons and tons of predators in this area.

My first concern about the chain link fence is weasels. They are a very common here. It took weasels about 4 months to discover my chicken yard and then they were attacking in broad daylight. I eventually solved the problem with electric fencing, but it took some trial and error and a few more losses before I got the height and spacing right.

If you don't want to do an e-fence, your yard is small enough, that could solve the problem by running hardware cloth around the the chain link. If the coop is somewhere where foxes, coyotes or unfriendly dogs might be in contact with it, I would also put a hardware shirt on the ground to prevent digging under.

We also have a lot of hawks and eagles, so your thought on avian netting is a good one. I would sink taller posts at the four corners of the yard and a fifth post in the center and do a sloping teepee type design. Drape the netting all the down to and attach it to the top of the chain link fence.

 

[aart]

Biggest issue I see is the fence doesn't go completely around the shed.

 

[koreecat]

When you say modifying the fence, what specifically do you want to do?

I have a 4' chain link fence as part of my run, but have elevated netting 6' and higher to allow myself full access inside, using U-posts and tension wire and netting. I happen to have my coop available as the central support, but without that you would need to add some center supports too.

(Note that this is NOT predator proof, only predator resistant.)

View attachment 2553044

I’d like to make it predator resistant but still make sure I’m able to comfortably walk into the area (so not just adding a top at the current height of the fence). The pic you posted is definitely an idea though how does that work with the gate? Do you have to duck underneath the netting it or do you just have a gap there above the gate?

 

[koreecat]

I don't know how to work with the short fence, but if your part of California has mild winters and hot summers I suggest that you get rid of those doors completely (or put them up on posts as shade structure), and substitute a wire wall. Metal sheds are notorious for over-heating and need loads and loads of ventilation.

Thanks, I should’ve clarified that I’m getting rid of the metal shed! I hate that ugly thing and intend to put up a wooden coop structure in its place