New run

[Auctioneer]

I just hatched out 46 babies, mixed egg layers April 14. Not sure how many Hens, or roosters yet, but it is a couple weeks til they go into the coop. If the weather was better, they could have been there already but it was 34 degrees F here this morning (Ohio). The coop is large enough, approx 10 x 20, but there is no run. I have always free ranged, but recently took a job that requires me to be away at nightfall, so for a few days per week they will have to stay in. So, I am building a run. My idea is a movable run, that could double as a tractor.

So, thinking about trap doors or sliders on both sides, and sleds to help be dragged by the tractor.

My question is, most runs I see are 7 feet tall. Why? Chickens aren't very tall and hardware cloth is expensive. I have 100' of 24" 1/2" hardware cloth for the bottom. What are you guys using for the top and high sides? Lot of possum and coon in my area as well as coyote and hawks. I am thinking 1 x 2 welded wire, maybe 3 inch for the top, or more of the 1x2. Also planning an apron, if I keep it permanent.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

 

[rosemarythyme]

My question is, most runs I see are 7 feet tall. Why? Chickens aren't very tall

Chickens aren't tall, but people can be. My run fence is 6' tall. My husband is taller than that and has to hunch a bit the entire time he's in there - not ideal. You can bet I'm getting 8' fences if I ever have to install another run in the future!

 

[nszrmch]

I have a 6ft tall run and even that feels short to me! You’ll appreciate it in the long run

 

[Mamatomany123]

My run is 7 ft tall in the middle. I like that I can get in there. It will really come in handy if a chicken is sick or decides to lay an egg in the run. No way do I want to be crawling on my hands and knees in chicken poop. Cleaning is also easier.

Also, my chickens love the space to fly around in. I didnt know how much chickens loved to fly and am glad I made it as a walk in run.

 

[aart]

A movable run big enough for 20-30 birds would be hard to move.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Oh gosh, I totally missed the tractor part. That's going to be a beast to move. You need a at minimum 460 sq ft run. With 46 birds I would do more than the 10 sq ft recommendation. I have a 20x35 run and I can't imagine moving that as a tractor.

 

[Auctioneer]

Remember, this is a temporary run per se. I work 3 nights per week. When I am home, they free range. The coop is 10x20, these are hatched eggs, so I have no idea how many roos will become canned and broth.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Remember, this is a temporary run per se. I work 3 nights per week. When I am home, they free range. The coop is 10x20, these are hatched eggs, so I have no idea how many roos will become canned and broth.

I think the rules still apply. Free ranging will not make up for having to be in too small of a space 3x a week. Of course it will help but you may end up with stressed out birds who peck eachother. Or if it's way to small you may end up with dead birds. You also need to consider if theyll ever have to be locked up because of weather or if you ever have a predator attack you'll need to have them in a secure run for a while.

About not knowing how many cockerels you'll end up with, that's just the chance you take. You either build big enough for all of them now and take the chance of ending up with a lot more space than you "need" (you can never have too much space), you build too small and end up with more pullets than you thought and have to expand, or you wait and have to build quick when you know how many pullets and cockerels you have. I would choose option one. I did choose option one and thankfully so because all of mine turned out as pullets.