Help With Run?

[KimKat33]

Hello everyone!

So as I am building my new coop pretty soon, I started to think of the run (which was originally going to be next years project). I think I have it figured out on how to build, but this would be my first time building something this large.

Can I get some opinions on it? Maybe ideas on what type of brackets to use as well?

I was thinking of using 2x4s. Where the X's are marked will be each vertical 2x4. I plan on building each panel in 5' sections and kind of 'framing' it since I can't sink the posts.

The dotted line I was thinking of cutting and securing a 2x4 there to double as extra support + roosts for them. (I want the run 6' tall)

This is what I have so far.

Do I need to add more supports? In the corners should I have 3 2x4s for support? One on the ground, one in the middle and one on top? I plan on just using bird netting for the top of the run, and during the winter, using a tarp on a portion of it. (maybe even all of it, but with snow that could be a lot of weight)

Any and all suggestions are welcome, and thank you guys for the help!

 

[HappyDuckie]

I don't have much experience in building runs, only done one, but good luck! I'm sure someone more experienced could help

 

[aart]

Looks OK, but..... what kind of mesh will you use on wall panels?
Might want to size your panel to match mesh so you have good attachment points.
How will you connect panels...bolts, nuts and washers?
Corner braces should be OK too....about 3' high for roosting?
Nice sketch and descriptions!

I plan on just using bird netting for the top of the run, and during the winter, using a tarp on a portion of it. (maybe even all of it, but with snow that could be a lot of weight)

Here's your weak spot. Snow load is a serious aspect and needs strong framing underneath what ever you use for roof material.
With a 15' span you'll need some supporting posts.
They can be set into buckets with concrete, since you can't bury posts.

 

[KimKat33]

Looks OK, but..... what kind of mesh will you use on wall panels?
Might want to size your panel to match mesh so you have good attachment points.
How will you connect panels...bolts, nuts and washers?
Corner braces should be OK too....about 3' high for roosting?
Nice sketch and descriptions!

I was thinking 1/2" square mesh for the first 2 or 3 feet then switching to the hex netting for the rest since I have a ton of that.
I was thinking of using some sort of galvanized mending plates to secure the panels to each other and then 45 degree metal brackets for securing the diagonal roost bars to the posts. All using the decking screws.
I was planning on putting them about 3 feet high as well.

Here's your weak spot. Snow load is a serious aspect and needs strong framing underneath what ever you use for roof material.
With a 15' span you'll need some supporting posts.
They can be set into buckets with concrete, since you can't bury posts.

I didn't even think of doing buckets of concrete!! Nice idea! I might look into this, that way I can run support bars across the top. Thank you!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Hello everyone!

So as I am building my new coop pretty soon, I started to think of the run (which was originally going to be next years project). I think I have it figured out on how to build, but this would be my first time building something this large.

Can I get some opinions on it? Maybe ideas on what type of brackets to use as well?

I was thinking of using 2x4s. Where the X's are marked will be each vertical 2x4. I plan on building each panel in 5' sections and kind of 'framing' it since I can't sink the posts.

The dotted line I was thinking of cutting and securing a 2x4 there to double as extra support + roosts for them. (I want the run 6' tall)

This is what I have so far.

Do I need to add more supports? In the corners should I have 3 2x4s for support? One on the ground, one in the middle and one on top? I plan on just using bird netting for the top of the run, and during the winter, using a tarp on a portion of it. (maybe even all of it, but with snow that could be a lot of weight)

Any and all suggestions are welcome, and thank you guys for the help!
View attachment 2362206

Is the roof plan for nylon bird netting? I use that but I have an electric fence, so predators can climb the walls of the run (due to electric shock) then tear through the nylon. If you have a nylon netting top, you should be aware that predators like raccoons can climb the fence and tear through the top.

 

[KimKat33]

Is the roof plan for nylon bird netting? I use that but I have an electric fence, so predators can climb the walls of the run (due to electric shock) then tear through the nylon. If you have a nylon netting top, you should be aware that predators like raccoons can climb the fence and tear through the top.

I didn't think of that. I haven't seen any tracks of any animal (besides my neighbors german sheppards ) Maybe I will switch it back to the galvanized hardware cloth/netting.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I didn't think of that. I haven't seen any tracks of any animal (besides my neighbors german sheppards ) Maybe I will switch it back to the galvanized hardware cloth/netting.

I don’t know if you already house your birds outdoors, but poultry bring out all sorts of predators that you had no idea were there. It’s really instructive to scroll through the Predators forum and see how predators attack chickens. Attacks can be divided into free-range attacks and coop/run attacks. For the coop/run, seeing the way that predators can cut and pry wire is instructive when considering the coop/run. Digging is another possibility to consider. One of my own unpleasant surprises has been that we apparently have a ton of black (Western) rat snakes that love poultry, and can fit through small gaps. I’m currently designing a new run and plan on 1/2” hardware cloth all around, including the top, as well as heavier gauge wire around the lower 3-4 feet, for protection against dogs. I’ve recently started putting 90% shade cloth over runs as the tarps tear and wear out quickly with our intense wind and sun. 90% shade cloth prevents most of the water from falling through but doesn’t present much wind resistance, so tears a lot less.

 

[KimKat33]

Okay, so with the bucket suggestion I decided to place them 5 feet apart.
How is this looking guys? I made a little sketch of how I imagine the buckets. Would that work? Thank you for the help!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Okay, so with the bucket suggestion I decided to place them 5 feet apart.
How is this looking guys? I made a little sketch of how I imagine the buckets. Would that work? Thank you for the help!

View attachment 2362425

Nice drawings! I did make concrete buckets with PVC posts for the hawk netting that tops my electric fence. Mine were meant to be portable but are really heavy and awkward to move. Leveling the bucket/post is very important too. Another of my issues is that the gap around the lid allows rain to fall into the bucket, providing a mosquito breeding ground. Lastly, my hubby really dislikes the look of my bucket/PVC posts. I plan to rent a post hole digger and install 4x4 fence posts for my run that will replace this electric/netting run that was meant to be temporary.

 

[KimKat33]

Leveling the bucket/post is very important too. Another of my issues is that the gap around the lid allows rain to fall into the bucket, providing a mosquito breeding ground. Lastly, my hubby really dislikes the look of my bucket/PVC posts. I plan to rent a post hole digger and install 4x4 fence posts for my run that will replace this electric/netting run that was meant to be temporary.

I didn't think of the mosquitos, but maybe I can figure something out, or buy the lids that go on the buckets and cut a 2x4 hole in that and caulk it?

I was also thinking of ways to make it blend in, but if I get some solid color buckets, I dont think I will mind it as much lol!

Thank you for your input!!