I need a plan for a giant enclosed run (At least 12x48 feet, 10 feet high ideally)

[CJHolmes]

Hello! I am finding lots of wonderful pictures online but can't seem to find a simple plan to build a very large run. Right now my chickens range in a fenced yard but they like to escape, my dog is a confirmed chicken-murderer, and I see a hawk around we need a run. Our coop is 8x 6x 8 feet tall and I want it to be inside the run so when the auto door opens the chickens can go out and forage but still be safe.

I am happy to pay for a good plan with a materials list. Thank you for any leads for a giant run!

 

[Cyprus]

Following.
We are glad to have you.
Others will be here soon who will be glad to help you.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

Don't think I've ever seen a plan, let alone a material list, for a run.
Most large runs are attached to the coop rather than enclosing the coop.
I DIY'd mine, details here.


Can be hard to find threads on runs here,
as most are included with coop builds,
but here's a search:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/19854025/?q=runs&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

Might try looking thru the large coop section for ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/large-coops.20/

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't know what type of fencing comes in 10' height, but you could do 8' chain link or welded wire and then put heavy duty netting over the top for the hawks. If the coop is in the center it'll help hold up the netting.

 

[kwhites634]

Hello! I am finding lots of wonderful pictures online but can't seem to find a simple plan to build a very large run. Right now my chickens range in a fenced yard but they like to escape, my dog is a confirmed chicken-murderer, and I see a hawk around we need a run. Our coop is 8x 6x 8 feet tall and I want it to be inside the run so when the auto door opens the chickens can go out and forage but still be safe.

I am happy to pay for a good plan with a materials list. Thank you for any leads for a giant run!

When you think about it, it's very similar to running fence around a field; drill some holes, plant some posts, run some wire (probably the most expensive component of the entire build). Obviously, you'll need some kind of cover, & depending on normal snow load, it'll need supporting. To cover the kind of span you're talking, it'll need support anyway.

 

[CJHolmes]

Welcome to BYC!

Don't think I've ever seen a plan, let alone a material list, for a run.
Most large runs are attached to the coop rather than enclosing the coop.
I DIY'd mine, details here.


Can be hard to find threads on runs here,
as most are included with coop builds,
but here's a search:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/19854025/?q=runs&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

Might try looking thru the large coop section for ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/large-coops.20/

Thank you, I think I might be making it more complex than it needs to be! Your blog is great.

 

[CJHolmes]

When you think about it, it's very similar to running fence around a field; drill some holes, plant some posts, run some wire (probably the most expensive component of the entire build). Obviously, you'll need some kind of cover, & depending on normal snow load, it'll need supporting. To cover the kind of span you're talking, it'll need support anyway.

Thank you! You're right, it's pretty much a fenced-in yard with a cover. That makes it sound simpler.

 

[blackdog043]

Attaching a run to your coop will be more cost effective and you won't have to go 10' high. For 1/2 hardware cloth, check Amazon and walmart.com, they usually have the best prices vs big box stores.

 

[PennyM]

CJHolmes, this is my coop and run. I opted to have my coop in the run because of the many predators we have in the protected wetland behind us, my chickens do not free range. The run is 18 x 14 feet and covered all over with hardware cloth, the coop is 8 x 4 feet and 6.75 feet high. We eventually want to put a metal roof over the hardware cloth on the top.

 

[happyhens1972]

No plans I'm afraid but here's mine and it's exactly what you were talking about....similar dimensions too, though only 7 ft tall, not 10. It encloses the coop to guard against predators, has a full hardware cloth floor, dug down about a foot and also a two foot 'skirt' that is now grown over by grass, to keep anything from digging in. On top of the hardware cloth, I have wood chip substrate.

As kwhites634 says, above, it is basically fence posts dug in, stock wire over the sides, chicken wire over the roof. There are posts every six feet around the perimeter and through the floor area in order to support the wire 'walls' and roof. Snow weight is not a problem as it just comes straight through....but it means the chickens are currently wallowing in it!!

If you are going to have any part as solid roof, just remember that snow can get VERY heavy!