Run Construction Problem

[TexJones]

I converted an old storage shed into our coop and I started building a run last month. I'm 90% finished but I've hit a snag and was hoping someone with more building experience than I have could give me some ideas. Basically the shed is level BUT it is on slightly sloping ground. My run juts out to the north with the idea being that the south end would be flush against the coop. The problem is that the slope is uphill to the north. The south end is about 4.5 inches lower than the north end and this prevents it from being flush. The top of the run hits the coop before the bottom ca. I'm not sure the best approach to take to deal with this. Here's a simple sketch of the problem (the black lines represent the run):


With my nonexistent building knowledge, I figure I have 3 options:
1. Leave it how it is and close up the gap at ground level somehow. Probably a combination of hardware cloth and bricks or treated lumber.
2. Raise the south end then close up the gaps that creates along the sides somehow. I'm not really sure how to do close up the side gaps between the 2x6 and ground if I do this.
3. Dig a trench to level the ground. In this hard Texas ground I'm not sure I can actually do that. I plan to use a skirt for predator proofing due to how hard it is to dig this rock-hard dirt. Also, I'm a terrible digger so I really don't think this is an option for me.

The run dimensions are basically 5' tall by 12' long by 10 ' wide. The top and bottom are 2x6's with 2x4 for the vertical supports. There is also a 2x6 at the top where each 2x4 stands for support and for attaching the rest of the hardware cloth as a roof.

Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[iwiw60]

Well, I'm like you....I'm a 70-year old single gal that tries her best, but always hit snags here and there when I was building my run, so don't feel alone!! If it were me, and from the diagram you provided...what would I do?

I'd shorten that top board by the 4.5" and then "tweak" the upright board that's going to be against the coop to fit...a little "off-kilter" but as you'll be putting hardware cloth up it would be an easy fix ... for ME anyways!! Just thinkin' (I always get into trouble when I do that)!!

 

[TexJones]

That's an interesting idea. I'll have to disassemble it some to try that.

I thought I should post a picture of the actual run as well. Currently I have the south end raised up on some scrap 2x4s.

 

[iwiw60]

Shoot, I think that would work pretty darn good! That way you won't have to mess with bits 'n pieces to close up that opening that's there now. Keep us updated as to your progress..good luck!!

 

[katbriar]

Fasten a board or post to the outside of your coop on that side. Then tie your run into the edge of it.

Your can use an apron of wire on the outside as well.

 

[iwiw60]

Fasten a board or post to the outside of your coop on that side. Then tie your run into the edge of it.

Your can use an apron of wire on the outside as well.

That might work, too.

 

[petrel]

I would fasten the run to the coop where it is now. Afterwards I'd add another 2 X 6 to the bottom, laid on its edge against the outside of the base that is there now, but allowing it to conform to the slope of the ground. So it would be nearly flush with the original on the up slope side, but be allowed to pivot down to close the gap on the down slope side.

 

[TexJones]

Thanks for all the tips. I realized the gap at the bottom was exactly 1.5 inches. What I wound up doing was attaching another 2x6 to the bottom (I had an extra one). I'll put some hardware cloth over the corners. Here's a pic.

I lined the bottom edges with a poultry netting skirt for an added barrier.