Post or not to post chicken run

[Dryfly]

I’m about to build my run for 6 chickens. I’m planing on 60 sq ft. Do I need to set my posts in the ground or can it free stand along with a hardware cloth apron?

I’m hoping I don’t need to dig holes, but do want a solid run.
Also, do I need 1/4 or 1/2 hardware cloth? I live in Maine.

 

[DobieLover]

I’m about to build my run for 6 chickens. I’m planing on 60 sq ft. Do I need to set my posts in the ground or can it free stand along with a hardware cloth apron?

I’m hoping I don’t need to dig holes, but do want a solid run.
Also, do I need 1/4 or 1/2 hardware cloth? I live in Maine.

I'd make it bigger than that. Trust me, you don't want to go with the minimum amount of space in the run.
I would set the posts.
Are you putting any kind of roof on the run to keep out rain and snow?

 

[Dryfly]

I plan to put on a roof.
my coop is 3.5x 6 which is 3.5 sq ft per chicken. It’s what I had and hoping it’s ok if my run is a bit bigger.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would also go bigger.

Setting posts will be a lot sturdier against winds and allow a roof to withstand weather.

Since your coop is a bit small having a larger covered run will help.

 

[DobieLover]

I plan to put on a roof.
my coop is 3.5x 6 which is 3.5 sq ft per chicken. It’s what I had and hoping it’s ok if my run is a bit bigger.

Yes, that coop size is good for 6 birds. I would use 1/2" HC. That is what I have on my run and backing all openings in my coop. You will want to be able to winterize the run by putting up tarps to block the wind and give the birds a place to hang out in when the snow is flying.
This is my run winterized. I used reinforced clear vinyl sheeting.

I like to shoot for 15-20 sq feet per bird in the run. It gives more room to add perches, logs and other things for the birds to fly up on and dig around. And hide behind if they need to...
What kind of roof?
What run litter are you planning on? Wood chips works very well, gives them something to scratch through, if it's kept dry with the roof, they can dust bathe in it and you don't have to clean it out, just rake everything in so it can compost and just add more when it starts to break down.
Our municipalities offer wood chips for free. I get about 5 pick up truck loads a year to use in the chickens run, pen and on my informal landscaping beds.

 

[Dryfly]

Great information! How far down do I dig the holes for the posts?

thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

Great information! How far down do I dig the holes for the posts?

thanks!

I went to the frost line. It really depends on the load you are asking the framing to carry. You're in Maine. You're going to get snow. It's going to be heavy...
Feel free to read my article on the coop and run build in the picture by clicking on the My Coop link in my avatar. You will, however, find that I don't cut corners or skimp on material.

 

[crowber]

If you check out the Carolina coops, they don't use posts, it's just modular panels connected together. Might give you some ideas of how to do your build if you want to avoid setting posts.

 

[DobieLover]

If you check out the Carolina coops, they don't use posts, it's just modular panels connected together. Might give you some ideas of how to do your build if you want to avoid setting posts.

Carolina Coops are nice coops but the runs tend to be too small. You also always run the risk of areas of frost heave in freeze/thaw regions when you float the run.

 

[Dryfly]

My materials for the chicken run 12x6 are $500. Seems expensive. What do you think?