Help me design my run!

[5.3acredream]

Hi all, I'm new to the chicken game but I've been researching like mad. Right now I have my coop planned but I need to put together my run.

I have 5 acres, however, I also have foxes, weasles/mink, raccoons, hawks, and some bald eagles. So while I want nothing more than to free range, it doesn't seem possible.

Originally, I planned on using t-posts, because I want a very large run, but large run+t-posts=No protection overhead. So that's out with so much hawk activity in my area.

Ideally, I want the design of this :https://www.gardenlife.biz/6m-x-6m-chicken-run---20ft-x-20ft-125-p.asp

But they don't ship to the USA and their so-called sister company is selling the same thing for 2x the price in the USA (!!!). So, if anyone is so inclined- how they heck to I build this thing? Can I get there for under 500$? I would deeply prefer not having to dig posts and just use a skirt if I can get away with it.

 

[X_and_Z]

You can find similar runs in the US - here is one from Amazon (I'm sure there are other, better sources):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071VN9M92/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_w

You can also use poultry netting for the top of your run:

https://www.strombergschickens.com/product/2-Inch-Heavy-Duty-Game-Bird-Netting/poultry-netting

or even inexpensive bird netting (not as durable as poultry netting, but MUCH cheaper):
https://www.amazon.com/BirdBlock-Bird-Netting-Reusable-Protection/dp/B00004RA0O

Or even just string cord (bailing twine) across the top.

 

[5.3acredream]

You can find similar runs in the US - here is one from Amazon (I'm sure there are other, better sources):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071VN9M92/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_w

You can also use poultry netting for the top of your run:

https://www.strombergschickens.com/product/2-Inch-Heavy-Duty-Game-Bird-Netting/poultry-netting

or even inexpensive bird netting (not as durable as poultry netting, but MUCH cheaper):
https://www.amazon.com/BirdBlock-Bird-Netting-Reusable-Protection/dp/B00004RA0O

Or even just string cord (bailing twine) across the top.

The one you posted is half the square footage for the same price, which is what I seem to keep running into. Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but that's a lot of money! I do have a large roll of chicken wire for the top of my future run, and 1/4" hardware cloth for the sides. I just need to get a good frame!

 

[Joeschooks]

Could you enclose with a few strands of electric fence? I know you said you didn’t want to dig posts but you won’t need many - one post every 9ft would do. I’d recommend putting lines of coloured string in all different directions across the top to prevent hawk attacks. I think you could do a set up like this for less than $500. Perhaps use a smaller gauge wire to prevent the smaller critters you have where you are. Here’s how I did mine: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/permanent-electric-fence-set-up-with-gate.1220629/

 

[OzarkF&G]

How good at scavenging are you? Search free lumber in the local ad's, CL, Ebay, Marketplace, etc... If you can find pressure treated you can use 4x4's at whatever length to make a base and build up. You can skirt that with whatever fence and cover with tires for planting herbs. The upright portion can be as tall as you want and covered with whatever fence you fancy. By building in wood, you can eventually put roof panels on it down the road to give a rain free run.

Lots of options, the digging of posts is worth it in my opinion. Lets you skip all the bottom boards...

 

[aart]

which is what I seem to keep running into. Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but that's a lot of money!

A large frame is going to be expensive, the larger the span the more it's going to cost. Carport frame might work, or a greenhouse frame.

What is your location, do you have to deal with searing heat or snow load?
Most chicken questions are climate affected,
adding your general location to your profile is easy, then it's always there!

I built this for about $400, it's 8' wide and 50' long.
Build details here.

 

[5.3acredream]

A large frame is going to be expensive, the larger the span the more it's going to cost. Carport frame might work, or a greenhouse frame.

What is your location, do you have to deal with searing heat or snow load?
Most chicken questions are climate affected,
adding your general location to your profile is easy, then it's always there!
View attachment 1280188



I built this for about $400, it's 8' wide and 50' long.
Build details here.

I actually was looking at your post earlier when I was researching. I really like the emt frame top! I'll change my location details, but I'll state them here as well, south jersey. Winters aren't usually too bad, nothing crazy, low snow loads- not usually more than 5" at a time. Summer is hot and humid. 80s and 85% humidity is pretty typical with 90s not unusual either.