WOW!!! you folks are really on the ball. It's amazing how we design for different regions of the country. Chickens are hearty creatures, and just survive about everywhere. Just amazing critters.
I live in an HOA, so gotta keep things low. My enclosure is four 8x8 squares, and reserved a small 4x8 section for my observation deck. Minus the deck, the entire run will be enclosed with 1/4" hardware cloth, including the top, and will be surrounded with at least 18" of hardware cloth and planter boxes around the bottom surrounding the perimeter for veggies. No wild birds or rodents should get in. For the AZ 100+ degree temps, I also have a 12' x 20' tarp which I will fasten with a gazillion huge eye bolts.
The coop is in constant modification, so that will be the icing on the cake after the run is completed. Have a look see. I'm only 5'8" on a good day (LOL) so there shouldn't be any trouble with me walking through there. I do have to take into consideration using a deep litter method so as not to trip over those 2x6 boards at the base.
You can see from all the houses that I live in an HOA and have to be considerate of anything that may offend the neighbors. I live on a double coldesack, peninsula, so you're seeing the back one from the back yard.
I don't know where the hell I came up with this design. Just started from scratch with a 4x4 post and expanded out from there like the spokes of a wheel. The design doesn't make any sense, but it's very sturdy. And again, all screened in with 1/4" hardware cloth from top to bottom. The tarp is only for shade and some of those violent rains we have in Arizona. --BB
Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona
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