Most Cost Effective Run Material?

[CrisAnderson27]

Hey guys.

So, I recently converted the north 1/3 of my barn into a 32x12 chicken coop. It took over 200' of 2x4" galvanized garden fencing...but it's bomb proof. Chicken wire helps protect from digging predators, as well as critters reaching in for the first 3' (over the top of the garden fence). I'm happy with it.

My next project is a 40'x20' run off the coop side of the barn. 8' tall against the building, and 6' tall on the outside. I could order more garden fencing, but I was wondering if there was a more cost effective material? I know a lot of people use 1/2" hardware cloth, but man that stuff is pricey for the coverage. I need almost 400 linear foot assuming 48" tall material, which will let me cover the top as well. I can get the garden fencing for $75/100'x48" roll. Hardware cloth is closer to $150.

Any other ideas? I don't really want to spend $500 building the run (including lumber!).

Thanks!

 

[Papmike]

Hey Cris, Not quite what your asking for but... I'm a big fan of electric netting and charger. I use it in my field as it can be configured to available forage. Granted, putting a top netting is impossible, but I think it is great to get maximum use of available space. I've lost a few birds to hawks but probably only 10 in 30 yrs, and most were growing birds not any adults.

 

[CrisAnderson27]

Hey Cris, Not quite what your asking for but... I'm a big fan of electric netting and charger. I use it in my field as it can be configured to available forage. Granted, putting a top netting is impossible, but I think it is great to get maximum use of available space. I've lost a few birds to hawks but probably only 10 in 30 yrs, and most were growing birds not any adults.

I've considered that for future free ranging. For now I need something right off the coop that they can be given access to on a daily basis when I don't have time to set other things up.

I appreciate it though!

 

[aart]

I'm happy with it.

Then do the same?
Anything cheaper may not be as secure.
Is predator protection your main concern?

 

[CrisAnderson27]

Then do the same?
Anything cheaper may not be as secure.
Is predator protection your main concern?

Yes to predator protection.

I just wasn't looking forward to $300 plus lumber. 90% of the fencing for the barn conversion came from an unused fence line. Completely free lol.

 

[aart]

I just wasn't looking forward to $300 plus lumber. 90% of the fencing for the barn conversion came from an unused fence line. Completely free lol.

Get someone else to pay for it?
Sorry, that's what I always think when folks ask how to get a cheap coop.

Chickens can be pretty cheep to keep....once you pay for their housing.
I sold some stuff to help pay for mine.
Might have to winnow down your flocks.

 

[CrisAnderson27]

Get someone else to pay for it?
Sorry, that's what I always think when folks ask how to get a cheap coop.

Chickens can be pretty cheep to keep....once you pay for their housing.
I sold some stuff to help pay for mine.
Might have to winnow down your flocks.

No one asked you for common sense sir!

More seriously though, I'll just drop the money if necessary. $200 in wire and lumber for a 12*32 coop with a hayloft is CHEAP. Another $300 for a 20*40 run still puts me well under what most pay for just a coop...with 1/3 or less the room.

The post was shared to hopefully learn about a material I hadn't thought of. I'd feel kinda stupid dropping twice the money for an equally or less effective product.

 

[CatsandCrops]

We were pretty thrifty with everything for our chicks/coop. I was able to get a free pack and play off of Facebook Marketplace to use as a brooder. We used free broken down pallets for the majority of our build to keep the costs down. We were able to get some free barn wood from a local farmer to use as materials to build the run and our local co-op gave us an insane discount on hardware cloth when we bulk ordered 400 feet of it; we're talking like half price. I would check out local selling sources, you'd be surprised what you can find!