Run design for uneven yard

[foxfire235]

Hey Everyone! First post but not new to the chicken world. We have a backyard that doesn't have one foot of level ground on it. What are your designs ideas for an enclosed run that's secure from raccoons and foxes that can work with a sloped and non-level yard? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Grits&Eggs]

our yard has a pitch as well, we dug down and buried chicken wire, then my husband built up a level deck, as you can see from the pic, the right side is 10 foot and the left is 8 feet

 

[21hens-incharge]

Is it possible to terrace it?

How big of a run are you needing?

How bad is the slope?

 

[foxfire235]

Thank you! Terracing would be a huge pain considering the roots and debris in the yard. It doesn't need to be huge, just enough for 3-4 birds.

 

[MissChick@dee]

My yard slopes. The house is on higher ground. I shoveled a lot I mean a lot of dirt to get the base of the coop up I was able to put down wire around the run. I’m still working on More Dirt around the outside of the run to make a berm so rain or snow melt goes around. Seems like what I shovel the chickens dig lol. It’s always something!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thank you! Terracing would be a huge pain considering the roots and debris in the yard. It doesn't need to be huge, just enough for 3-4 birds.

Since it doesn't need to be gargantuan it will be easier!

I would see if there is a way to put the coop and run going along the slope not down it..... If that makes sense.....

So one side of the run would end up taller than the other.......
It still is hard to describe......

Ok so if the yard slopes south I would try and set the coop and run to go east/west.

I hope what I am suggesting makes sense.

 

[foxfire235]

Since it doesn't need to be gargantuan it will be easier!

I would see if there is a way to put the coop and run going along the slope not down it..... If that makes sense.....

So one side of the run would end up taller than the other.......
It still is hard to describe......

Ok so if the yard slopes south I would try and set the coop and run to go east/west.

I hope what I am suggesting makes sense.

Yep, got it. Would it be A frame like above, or some other design?

 

[True Patriot]

Pics of the area would help to see how much slope and design modifications would be needed. The run does not have to be level. There are benefits to it being sloped, such as drainage. A free standing coop is easy enough to level with adjustment to the legs. Better yet would be look at the hoop coop ideas, they can be placed just about anywhere.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yep, got it. Would it be A frame like above, or some other design?

It can be or it can be square or a hoop.

It's all about how much skill, time, money one has.

I think the hoop coop would be easiest, least expensive and very effective.

 

[cholland]

My run is on a slope. A few well placed logs, 4-6inch diameter and some rocks works for some rough terracing. I have lots of rock, so I lined the bottom of my fence with them to help keep things from getting in. I found just a single electric fence wire works well to make sure nothing gets in.