Ideas for making this in to a chicken Run?

[4theloveofhens]

Hey everyone,

Looking for any input on making this a chicken run? Normally I would think "SCORE!" but there are some bummer factors, like the chain link fence being that standard 4 foot-ish height, and that using this little fenced in area would mean my girls would be right along two of my neighbors fence-line (one has a small yippy dog and the other has a couple goldens that I've only seen out once - I'm in VA, so hot and humid!) But the bonus is that it's an already fenced in area, it's not too close to my house (or neighbors), it has tons of shade throughout the day, and so on. Anyway - just wondering if I should scrap it completely and build a run and coop outside of the fenced in area? I can't afford to make all of my chain link fencing (which goes around my entire property) higher than the standard, but I also work from home and have two chicken shepherd dogs to supervise.

 

[4 the Birds]

Hey everyone,

Looking for any input on making this a chicken run? Normally I would think "SCORE!" but there are some bummer factors, like the chain link fence being that standard 4 foot-ish height, and that using this little fenced in area would mean my girls would be right along two of my neighbors fence-line (one has a small yippy dog and the other has a couple goldens that I've only seen out once - I'm in VA, so hot and humid!) But the bonus is that it's an already fenced in area, it's not too close to my house (or neighbors), it has tons of shade throughout the day, and so on. Anyway - just wondering if I should scrap it completely and build a run and coop outside of the fenced in area? I can't afford to make all of my chain link fencing (which goes around my entire property) higher than the standard, but I also work from home and have two chicken shepherd dogs to supervise.

Looks like a nice run area "as is"! Build a coop inside or on the outside with a cut hole in the fence to the run. The only problem with a fence with a top bar is that it is a tempting place for the chickens to fly up and roost on (and then fly over). What you could do is to get a ladder and add an eye bolt high up on the tree and then run some wires down and connected to the fence. You could then drape deer netting over the top! This will keep the chickens inside. You could also add a tall center pole along with using the tree to support your top netting. I would probably also add some wood lattice or picket fence boards along the chain link fence along the area that faces the "yippy dogs". Good Luck!

 

[Irishhenman]

It looks like a brilliant run as it is now. it would work best for heavier breeds like jersey giants, Cochins or orpingtons. If you ever find they fly out you can just clip their wings. If that doesn't work you could alway get some chicken wire and some stiffer lengths of normal wire. Use the stiff wire as supports on the top of the fence and put maybe 2 feet of chicken wire all around so that if chickens decide to jump up on the fence the chicken wire wouldn't support their weight and they would fall back into the run.

 

[4theloveofhens]

Thank for your ideas! I will try and look at some examples of a tent like set up with wire. I do really want to make sure it's not ghetto looking since it will be right next to my neighbors and we just moved here, and everyone has very nice yards... If anyone has any decent looking set ups, I would appreciate the post!

 

[4 the Birds]

Thank for your ideas! I will try and look at some examples of a tent like set up with wire. I do really want to make sure it's not ghetto looking since it will be right next to my neighbors and we just moved here, and everyone has very nice yards... If anyone has any decent looking set ups, I would appreciate the post!

I don't know about ghetto but the neighbors will soon be thanking you for bringing some country living up close.... I think. :-o Be sure to let them know that you will have fresh eggs to offer.

 

[bigmrg74]

I don't know about ghetto but the neighbors will soon be thanking you for bringing some country living up close.... I think. :-o Be sure to let them know that you will have fresh eggs to offer.

Not to mention Chicken TV to watch as well. get em some yummy treats like worms and they'll have a blast. But it still might be a good idea to check in with them and let them know that you're going to have chickens there. It would be very neighborly of you to give them the heads up, and mention that you won't have roosters or anything like that. Might as well get things started on the right foot with them.