"play pens" for chickens?

[backdoorchicken]

any ideas on how i can inexpensively make a playpen type thing for my chickens? i can't let the free range but i think i can make a semi-movable pen to keep them in. has anyone here ever made something like that? almost like a temporary dog kennel but cheaper and easier to move.

 

[backdoorchicken]

i just cecked craigslist and used outdoor kennels(6x12) are around $100-$200 bucks. i wonder if that is cheaper than what i would be doing?

 

[1mommahen]

I bought a used playyard for kids off CL for my chicks last Spring. It worked great!

Keep searching in the kids section, they go real cheap!

 

[backdoorchicken]

Quote:
how big is it?

 

[vermontgal]

I think you want to make something like this. Buy "strapping" (1x3) at your lumberyard, and use welded wire for a daytime run.

http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/1/1-5/Martha_King.html

 

[shelleyd2008]

Look under the coop pages at the chicken tractors. Very easy to build, and inexpensive to boot. If you are wanting to keep them in it only during the day, a hoop tractor made from PVC pipe might be just what you are looking for.

 

[Daysiechicks]

I made a play run out of pvc pipe. It was super cheap and easy. It only took me a couple hours to make by myself. I haven't figured out how to post a picture yet in these messages but if you click on my BYC page there is a picture of it over to the far right. If you like it, I can give you details on how to build it.

 

[Luna_Chick66]

one thing you might consider (if your chickens don't fly) is an X-pen that they use for dogs (you could probably find a used one on craigslist or buy a brand new one at a pet supply store that isn't too expensive). Only thing is the top is open.

 

[Luna_Chick66]

here is a pic of one:

and you can use 2 together to make it bigger.

 

[artsyrobin]

i've gotten chickenwire and attached it to the trees and bushes for them to have some ranging room, but they are only there when someone is in the yard since we have eagles and owls that might want a snack. their main run has netting over the top