New Coop and Run Finished!

[owlsayshoo]

We're first-time chicken owners and spent lots of time researching the best way to create a safe space for the hens. We purchased a custom-built 4'x8' coop from a local, reputable company and then built the run ourselves. The run is 8'x8' (the chickens will also have access underneath the coop), with three sides enclosed in hardware cloth (actually, the bottom 4' on each side is covered with a double layer of hardware cloth). The roof is a double layer of poultry netting. The floor is also completely enclosed with hardware cloth, then covered with 2" of pea gravel and 3" of washed construction sand. We're planning to get some deep litter going as the seasons change. All lumber is pressure treated so it'll need to breathe for a few months, but eventually it'll all be painted white to match the trim on the coop.

Hopefully this keeps all the critters out!!

 

[PD-Riverman]

The frame of the run is for sure Built like a tank! What you got over those windows on the coop---can't really tell? I am sure they will have to be open the warmer times of the year.

I just built a new 6000 sqft run today---well this afternoon. Got it finished and waiting for dark to move the 3 month old chickens into a coop I moved into that run. The coop has a 210sgft run attached with it that has a wire covered top. I will let them out of it into the 6000sgft 6ft high fenced in area I built this afternoon to some-what free range.

 

[owlsayshoo]

The frame of the run is for sure Built like a tank! What you got over those windows on the coop---can't really tell? I am sure they will have to be open the warmer times of the year.

I just built a new 6000 sqft run today---well this afternoon. Got it finished and waiting for dark to move the 3 month old chickens into a coop I moved into that run. The coop has a 210sgft run attached with it that has a wire covered top. I will let them out of it into the 6000sgft 6ft high fenced in area I built this afternoon to some-what free range.

Good eye! I'm not actually sure what's over the window now, it seems like generic screening material. We'll be adding hardware cloth reinforcement before the girls move in. And ha, yes, the frame is definitely built like a tank! We get lots of snow and the last thing we need is a run that collapses before Christmas!

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I love your run! We're in mid-build of our coop inside a partially covered dog run. I figure that the full run will be alright for now, but I'm going to want to expand on it, and yours looks perfect! You're giving me ideas!! lol

 

[Atomiccarebear]

I love your coop! you didn't' draw up any plans that you could share, did you?

 

[owlsayshoo]

I love your coop! you didn't' draw up any plans that you could share, did you?

Unfortunately we bought the coop from an amazing company called Coops for a Cause in New Hampshire. If you're remotely local to them, I highly suggest giving them a look!

I do have the plans for the run, though, if anyone is interested!

 

[jeria]

WOW! looks like the run is built all our of 4x4's. That is built to withstand anything!!

 

[owlsayshoo]

WOW! looks like the run is built all our of 4x4's. That is built to withstand anything!!

We used 32 (!!) 10 foot 2x4's!

 

[jeria]

That's a bunch. In the photo it looks like the 4x4's I have in my garage waiting to be painted for the corner supports and start my coop/run build.

How far apart did you put the upright supports? Still working on detailing my plans.

 

[owlsayshoo]

That's a bunch. In the photo it looks like the 4x4's I have in my garage waiting to be painted for the corner supports and start my coop/run build.

How far apart did you put the upright supports? Still working on detailing my plans.

We actually just built two separate 4'x8' runs and then screwed them together. Here's the link to the plans for any specific questions:
http://www.construct101.com/chicken-coop-run-plans/