Newbie Needing Guidance

[lotsalyons]

We want to start a flock, but I am completely overwhelmed with information and underwhelmed with know-how. I have an unused shed that I want to convert into a coop. But what about a run? I have thought about attaching one to the shed but digging trenches, building experience and expense are scaring me. Is there a super easy solution to this? Also, my ground around the shed is uneven. I had also thought about attempting an a-frame coop and bypassing the shed for now. I want 5-6 hens. Thank you!

 

[Sonya9]

We want to start a flock, but I am completely overwhelmed with information and underwhelmed with know-how. I have an unused shed that I want to convert into a coop. But what about a run? I have thought about attaching one to the shed but digging trenches, building experience and expense are scaring me. Is there a super easy solution to this? Also, my ground around the shed is uneven. I had also thought about attempting an a-frame coop and bypassing the shed for now. I want 5-6 hens. Thank you!

It depends on the predators in your area but a fast and easy way to build a large run would be to get some 2" x 4" welded wire, some metal t posts, and a post driver. Takes a bit of strength especially if you get six foot tall welded wire, but you can fence in a large area very quickly. After the metal posts are pounded into the ground tie the fence to the post with wire.

My birds have that as an outdoor run, because I have some small bantams I also have netting on top.

This is a post driver, it is very heavy and you slip it over a metal post them slam the post into the ground.

 

[pingu1]

please send pic of the shed I think though that all you need is some nesting boxes that can easily be constructed out of a box or you could let them lay on the floor a few roosts which is easy just two wooden poles going across the shed then you can let the chickens free range inside and give them a small run about 1m by 1m that is attached to the shed via a small opening in the side you could line the floor of the shed with sand or bark except for the nesting area which could be sawdust or hay you could clean out the top layer of sand/bark every day and have a feeder constructed or bough and a waterer hope you can make the nicest run and hen house for your chickens

 

[Ridgerunner]

We make it sound really complicated don’t we? One of the many problems is that so many different things can work, so we all offer conflicting advice. It can be pretty simple but we can also make it really complicated.

I don’t know what your shed looks like but it is probably a good way to go. You need protection from predators and protection from the environment. For a lot of us protection from the environment doesn’t have to amount to much. A coop needs ventilation. A window to let in light can really help. You need someplace for them to roost and probably want nests in there. Add a way for them to get in and out and you are ready to go. If you could post some information about your shed some people might be able to give you ideas.

There are a lot of different ways to do a run too. I go with a predator proof coop to safely lock them in at night but a predator resistant run for daytime. Others want a predator proof run. For just 5 to 6 hens you may be able to find a dog kennel, chain link fencing, or something else on Craigslist. The uneven ground can be a problem but instead of burying the wire, which can be real work if the ground is rocky, you use an apron. Lay about 18” of wire flat outside the run (and coop if desired) and attach that to the bottom of the fence. You don’t have to bury it but a lot of people remove about 2” of dirt, the sod, and put that back on top to hold it down and keep it out of the way of lawn mowers and weed eaters. The idea is that the animal goes up to the fence, starts digging, hits the wire, and does not know to back up. It’s pretty effective.

 

[PapaChaz]

We make it sound really complicated don’t we? One of the many problems is that so many different things can work, so we all offer conflicting advice. It can be pretty simple but we can also make it really complicated.

I don’t know what your shed looks like but it is probably a good way to go. You need protection from predators and protection from the environment. For a lot of us protection from the environment doesn’t have to amount to much. A coop needs ventilation. A window to let in light can really help. You need someplace for them to roost and probably want nests in there. Add a way for them to get in and out and you are ready to go. If you could post some information about your shed some people might be able to give you ideas.

There are a lot of different ways to do a run too. I go with a predator proof coop to safely lock them in at night but a predator resistant run for daytime. Others want a predator proof run. For just 5 to 6 hens you may be able to find a dog kennel, chain link fencing, or something else on Craigslist. The uneven ground can be a problem but instead of burying the wire, which can be real work if the ground is rocky, you use an apron. Lay about 18” of wire flat outside the run (and coop if desired) and attach that to the bottom of the fence. You don’t have to bury it but a lot of people remove about 2” of dirt, the sod, and put that back on top to hold it down and keep it out of the way of lawn mowers and weed eaters. The idea is that the animal goes up to the fence, starts digging, hits the wire, and does not know to back up. It’s pretty effective.

something to add about the apron

attach it to the fence as mentioned above, then stake it down with landscape cloth staples on the outside edges. Don't forget to go past the ends so the corners are covered also. No need really to bury it, the grass with grow up through it. A lot of people prefer to put mulch and plant something over it. Or cover it with rocks, pavers etc. All that looks good, but really isn't necessary because as RR said, a digging predator will start to dig but stop when they hit the wire. They'll want to dig right up against the base of the 'obstacle' so they might move sideways but most likely won't back up to dig until they past the edge of the apron

 

[lotsalyons]

 

[lotsalyons]

 

[lotsalyons]

And one more of the inside.

 

[lotsalyons]

Ok, this is the last.

 

[PapaChaz]

that will make an awesome coop! I could have so much fun with that, LOL

which direction do you plan on going with the run? it will really be easy to convert that and add a run

I'm going to suggest you go look at aart's coop that they built inside part of a building. It's awesome, has great features and something that could be done with yours pretty easily and inexpensively

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-coop-page