How long should my run be?

[Sassafras]

I used 4x4x8' and sunk them 2'. Our run is 24' x 24' and I have 12 LF chickens. They have lots of room so they don't pick at each other and I don't have to clean it everyday. Used 2" x 4" wire on the top 4' and hardware cloth on the bottom 2' with some underground.

 

[Hawkeye95]

is chicken wire bad to use for the top? That is what I was thinking of doing, with the hardware cloth on the sides.

 

[spotstealer]

Here are a couple pics of my run, which is about 10X13. I used a modified greenhouse design. I spent about 100.00 or so on it. I used coated fencing on the bottom, and chicken wire up higher (my girls are secure nightly in their coop). I used a heavy duty two sided tarp over the top to protect from weather and hawks, as well as provide shade and snow. My posts are all 4X4, about 2-1/2' deep.

 

[Hawkeye95]

Quote:
that is actually pretty smart! You end up using less wood that way, thanks for sharing! I'm thinking it might not be too important for me to make the top of it predator proof (with the exception of having a light wire up on top) since I'm planning on having the chickens locked in at night. Does anyone just leave their door open all the time instead? If I do that, I'll have to be sure that my top won't let raccoons in. We're in an area where they and coyotes would be a serious problem.

oh and Spotstealer, just wanted to add your yard looks gorgeous! I love all the plantings! Looks like a nice oasis back there and nice and shady! Lucky you! We're burning up in the prairie with no trees out here. Love your yard!