Input wanted for designing run extension

[emcgowy]

Hi! I was wondering if I could solicit some of your expert opinions - we have 4 ~4 week old (hopefully) hens. We purchased from a local individual who makes them this coop with attached run. My father is going to help me add on to the run as we think due to high level of predators in our area (hawks, coyotes, raccoons) that they will spend the majority of their time in the run. I attached a picture of our run as is but was thinking of adding something similar to the second pic (and link) then jerry rig the a-frame to the more "box" like set up. I want to have a roof on it as well to prevent rain/snow accumulation. http://myoutdoorplans.com/animals/8x10-chicken-coop-run-plans/

I would really appreciate any insight from people who have done this before prior to my dad and I spending a bunch of time/$ on it. THANKS!

 

[True Patriot]

Are you still looking to use it as a tractor? If so how portable do you want the run extension? Take a look at the "hoop coop" pages. They're easy to build and can be made moveable. In my coop page is an example of how I converted the idea to a run. They are 8' wide by as long as you want to build. The panels come in about 4' x 16' so length of the run will be in 4' incriments unless you cut the panels down. They cut easily with bolt cutters.

 

[emcgowy]

Thanks for the input! Initially we thought we were going to do a tractor style but now we are going to just have it as a stand alone permanent placement situation. I've reinforced everything since that picture with hardware cloth and once we get it in the final position (almost done moving the wood pile you can see in the back) I'll put a J-wire of hardware cloth around it as well. So does not need to be portable.

 

[emcgowy]

I do like that hoop run idea though! Only issue I'm having is how to keep it covered/snow proof.

 

[townchicks]

If it is going to be permanent, I would suggest making something you can walk in. Short runs are a real pain for cleaning, catching a hen or retrieving an egg.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Cute pup! I agree, make sure it's tall enough that you can stand upright inside the run, walking bent over or crawling is a pain! Do you think you'll ever add more chickens, or are you restricted to 4? If it doesn't blow out the budget I'd make the run footprint bigger, in case you ever want to add a couple, as integration takes space, and chickens always like more room when possible.

 

[PeppersPeeps]

I have the same coop!

I didn’t get the tractor option because I knew I wasn’t going to move it. For a run I used a walk-in covered dog kennel from TSC. Here are some pictures. I have no building abilities, so this worked great for me.

 

[staceyj]

My run is similar for a small flock. We started with a run that was short in height, but quickly knew that was not going to be practical. A couple months later we built UP. It’s great being able to walk in for all the reasons @townchicks mentioned above.

Our girls also free range part of the day under supervision.

 

[True Patriot]

I do like that hoop run idea though! Only issue I'm having is how to keep it covered/snow proof.

I cover mine with a heavy duty tarp. Once all of the wire is tied together it's quite rigid. The sides are steep enough for snow to fall off. So far mine has done great up to 30mph winds. I checked on it the last storm, no swaying or movement. I can hang from the center ridge support with no problem (220lbs). Pretty sure, as long as you periodically clear any accumulated snow with a broom there's nothing to worry about.
Adding your general location to your profile will help others when you have questions. Climate is a big factor with raising chickens.

 

[Lisa Wood]

Yep! Gotta walk in it for the all important scooping of the coop poop. It saves your lower back, and makes it more likely you spend time with your chickens. I have started with a redone coop we bought for $50, and we are planning a whole new coop because of back pain. BUT, looking at what's out there for sale is great because you can reuse lumber or alter the coop. Plus, the guy selling his coop had all this wooden picket fencing laying around. He was moving, and I asked for the fencing, he GAVE it free. It built our run!
We don't have snow here, so we use big tents and draped avian netting over the entire coop/run area. For $60, it covers a huge area.
You might also consider a sick bay, a small area with small coop in case someone gets sick.