How to fortify the chicken run gate.

[sondownchick]

What can you do to keep the gate from allowing fox etc in but still a usable gate?

 

[TexasWineGuy]

If you already have a run with a gate, please post some pics. It will help immensely.

TWG

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Put a lock on it ?
What type of gate are we talking about here ?

 

[ZooAtHome]

This was a big conundrum for me, too, as I was building my run. How to I get in and out of the run without creating a potential security breach? This is the solution I came up with.

I built a backstop into the frame, behind the door. I attached my hardware cloth apron to the 4x4 on the bottom of this backstop, then put pavers over the apron. This prevents anything from digging under the gate, but still allows me to pull a cart into the run without catching on the apron. It's difficult to see under the sawdust (I couldn't take time to sweep because the chickens were about to escape. ), but the 4x4 at the bottom sticks up just enough to block the gap below the gate, but not so much as to be a tripping hazard.

When the gate is closed and latched, it presses against the backstop on all four edges. This eliminates the cracks next to the gate, so nothing can squeeze in between the gate and the frame. I also shimmed some fencing in next to the gate, to narrow that opening. I left just enough clearance to open and close the gate without it rubbing against the frame.

Those spaces that look like openings all along the top and at the bottom right of the second picture, just to the left of the feed can, are blocked behind with wood and hardware cloth. The openings do not go all the way into the run.

Gate is secured with a gravity latch and a carabiner clip. A padlock could be used in place of the carabiner, if security from humans was a concern. When latched, the gate has a very snug fit.

 

[TexasWineGuy]

This was a big conundrum for me, too, as I was building my run. How to I get in and out of the run without creating a potential security breach? This is the solution I came up with.

I built a backstop into the frame, behind the door. I attached my hardware cloth apron to the 4x4 on the bottom of this backstop, then put pavers over the apron. This prevents anything from digging under the gate, but still allows me to pull a cart into the run without catching on the apron. It's difficult to see under the sawdust (I couldn't take time to sweep because the chickens were about to escape. ), but the 4x4 at the bottom sticks up just enough to block the gap below the gate, but not so much as to be a tripping hazard.View attachment 1854444

When the gate is closed and latched, it presses against the backstop on all four edges. This eliminates the cracks next to the gate, so nothing can squeeze in between the gate and the frame. I also shimmed some fencing in next to the gate, to narrow that opening. I left just enough clearance to open and close the gate without it rubbing against the frame.
View attachment 1854447

Those spaces that look like openings all along the top and at the bottom right of the second picture, just to the left of the feed can, are blocked behind with wood and hardware cloth. The openings to not go all the way into the run.

Gate is secured with a gravity latch and a carabiner clip. A padlock could be used in place of the carabiner, if security from humans was a concern. When latched, the gate has a very snug fit.

AKA - Fort Knox!

TWG

 

[aart]

I thought I had it licked with a paver 'patio/threshold'....
..the chooks foiled me from inside by digging underneath it. So I added the row of bricks. They dug underneath it. So I added the 2x8x16" pavers on edge and anchored them in with rebar. That has worked well so far.
My door isn't as sturdy and tight as @ZooAtHome's,
but my run is not meant to be totally predator proof.

 

[jthornton]

AKA - Fort Knox!

TWG

AKA Chicken Fort Knox!

JT

 

[jreardon1918]

Our gate opens out. Closes tight against the frame. No pushing it in. As the chickens dig i just throw boulders and stuff tji keep them in. There is an apron even in front of the gate. So far so good.