Portable run panels

[Nahnah]

I would like to allow my chickens free- range but due to the large number of predators (including the ranch dogs and cats) I don't think that is an option at this time. So I am trying to build some really basic portable panels, that could be attached to the coop or used independently. My basic plan is to use 4' pointed lath boards, staple poultry wire with a full wrap around each "post", I am trying to get a wire height that will allow me to leave the point and the top 3" of each post outside the wire, then use to point to push in the ground and a wire loop between panels to hold them together. I am using a 4' length for my panels as this seems to be all the longer they can be and still be easily maneuverable. I also think I will need a top with this height so my plan is to use deer netting. Has anybody tried anything like this or have any suggestions?

 

[Jaxon4141]

Poultry wire is not much of a deterrent from larges predator. I make sectional portable runs for my garden. Each section is 5'x5'x2' and weigh about 45 lbs.

This is a six section run with a coop having 175 sq. ft. of space for my chicken. A hundred foot roll of 2"x4"x60" welded wire fencing will make about 250 sq. ft. of runs. Each section has 14" of fencing coming out along the ground on each side and at the ends of the runs as predator guards. These run sit in the territory of a large family of raccoons and they come around often. I've had this set up moving around the garden for over a year. Runs are easy to make and can be taken apart and stored as flat pieces of fencing.

 

[Nahnah]

I hadn't thought of doing my panels as hoops, and I actually have a roll of welded wire that a contractor damaged so I didn't use it in the yard fence but I bet I could still get some panels out of, so that could be a much better idea. I am mostly worried about hawks and eagles but we do have one of the ranch dogs that is a hunter, upside not worries about raccoons, skunks, etc. downside have to keep her out, but she seems to be of the mind that if I put it in a pen she can't have it and mostly doesn't try. Thanks so much for your input, very helpful.