run design help

[pattym01]

I need some suggestions. I just moved into a rental house so i don't want to spend too much $. I have a small coop but need to modify a dog run into an inexpensive run for the girls. It is 22' x 15', fenced with metal welded wire for the walls about 4 ft. high. There are 4x4x (6 ft tall) along the front and just 4 ft. metal fence posts along the back wall. I started adding 36' chicken wire around the top for height but quickly realized I will have to frame it with wood as the wire is too wobbly. I will have to do most of this myself - so simply is good. Any ideas?
There is a shed attached to the space (10 ft long) also
Attached are 2 pics. One is standing outside the space- looking at the front (22 ft across with a 3 ft. gate) and the shed.
2nd is standing inside the space looking at one of the sides (15 ft long) --oops - this one is turned on its side.

 

[Arielle]

Have you considered just topping the existing run with bird netting?? You can put a couple pole in the center to increase the height so you can walk thru with some effort. Attach with twistems or cable ties.

I NEVER trust a run to be safe from predators. ALways lock up hens in a predator proof coop.

 

[pattym01]

I was thinking the same thing. Do you think they would be safe during the day? that would certainly be fairly easy and inexpensive. I do have a coop to lock them up safely at night.
Thanks!

 

[Arielle]

THere are always risks. It's about minimizing the risks. First you need to have some ideas about what are the predators in your area.

Domestic dogs are the number one problem. THen the usual culprits:
Coyote
raccoon
skunks
fox
hawks

Are you home all day? Do you have dogs in the yard all day? My dogs have keen ears--I often let them out at night in the winter and in the summer they prefer the cool weather outside 24/7 . Unless I put AC in their room, then they stay in! LOL DO you have perimeter fencing? This is other fencing like fencing along property lines or similar.

Many of these animals can rip right thru chicken wire from the stories I have read. Ihave had coyote run into my backyard and make off with a chicken who chose not to go into her coop at night. She was grabbed after dawn, as my son was on his way to let the girls out. A fox ran into the yard, and DH chased it up and over the perimeter fencing. A hawk grabbed one of my white pullets. I don't keep white chickens in general, just my original few which are favorites.

Many deterents, not much is predator proof. Its about making your chickens be less easy to get than their usual fair.

My chickens are kept centrally located and are surrounded with may layer of fencing with large animals in those spaces. Helps to keep out the coyote.

I think if an animal can bite thru the chicken wire it can bite thru the netting. Have you considered a heavier gauged wire. like a 2x4 grid? THen top with chicken wire.

Many options. Most of my crew free ranges all day then goes to a coop for lock up at dusk.

No perfect system. What are the risks worth to you? and how much can you pay for fencing? THere is no right answer, just an answer that works for you.

 

[pattym01]

I do have a dog - but he stays in during the day. Just too old to take the heat any longer. I have only been in this house about 4 weeks - I don't really know what predators are around - other than a bunch of feral cats. I don't think they would harm full grown hens. I do have concerns about the netting, but don't have much $, or know-how to build anything stronger. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Arielle]

Use your dogs poo. Place it along your property line, if its far enough from neighbors house. LOL Coyote recognize territory and usually don't want to confront the local dog. DH walks our dogs and they urinate marking their space. Not a perfect system , but helps.

THe netting is the cheapest to keep the hens in. Perhaps grade up as you have the funds.

Welcome to your new home!