Need advice on constructing a predator proof run fast!

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Hi - Long sad story but a roo I had adopted out in November is being decimated by young hens at his new home so the people want me to take him back by tomorrow, along with a friendly hen so he has company. I no longer have chickens and when I did I cared for them at a location different than where I am now. My current location has no run. It does have an emergency coop (used in snowstorms when the other wasn't sufficient) in an outbuilding so that part I've got covered.

Things have changed since I had chickens - I can no longer be home much at all (new job takes me away and my mom is very ill and I'm at the hospital hours away most of the time) - so this is all pretty much a nightmare because I believe in giving exemplary care. Never expected that I would have chickens at this time. The only thing I can think of to do if no great home is imminently forthcoming for them (I am in NJ), is to try to construct some kind of run so that when I can't be home they can go outside and then go to bed at dusk without a predator issue if I'm not there to shut them in.

This is a residential neighborhood where chickens aren't even allowed so I have to try to make this thing look pleasant and for all the world like a garden area.

The double doors to the outbuilding are about 8 feet high (how on earth will I make something 8 feet high attractive in a residential neighborhood I don't know) and 6 feet wide - the width of the building that the doors are centered in is about 20 feet. I will need to be able to get the doors open for other business and these doors propped open maybe a foot would also be their way in and out of the run when I can't be home. Located inside that building is a smaller building - the coop.

What type of fencing is sound, what method of securing in the ground is sound, and what type of covering is sound?. Frozen ground here and no time and so I am afraid I am in a panic. Main predators are likely to be wandering dogs and also raccoons. Fox, coyore less likely because residential but not out of the question. And there are hawks, but if covered run, then okay I presume. Lots of trees and shrubs around for cover but not in the immediate area of where the run would be because how do I cover if I include a tree in there?

I would be ever so grateful for any help/advice asap and for any photos that illustrate good possibilities. Thank you.

If you can find some used cattle panels they make very durable run. Clip 5' weld wire over cattle panels it's th

 

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Thanks Becky......we'll see how this whole thing evolves. I did post about this sweet roo in the places you mentioned just to keep all avenues in play. In all likelihood, he'll be coming back to me though within a day or so so I have to try to get ready. An outdoor enclosure will take a lot longer than that to build, unfortunately! Not helping too much that it's snowing right now an dthe ground is frozen solid :|

Hi
Use cattle panels covered with 60" 2×4 weld wire clip on with Galv Hog rings

 

[50-45-1]

I can no longer be home much at all

neighborhood where chickens aren't even allowed

with the above statements, i cant figure out why you are even contemplating doing this.
the solution that makes most sense if for the owner of the chickens to find them an appropriate new home.
a rooster will announce his presence in your neighborhood from sun up, to sun down. some even crow at night.

 

[21hens-incharge]

This thread is originally from 2007.

The OP has not been on since 10 of 2018.