Run Materiel Question

[Copper Creek]

I'm trying to make a study and attractive run. I was thinking to have 3 foot wooden base boards and hardware cloth for another 3 feet. Would this work? Is there a better materiel to make it out of? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Do you want it stationary, a fixed pen?

I started using electric poultry netting this year. Love it. Portable, like my coop and stops all land predators excepting weasel to which my coop is closed at night.

Are you attempting a completely predator proof run so you don't need to open and shut the coop door?

Hard ware cloth for many like myself is only used on the coop and a less expensive 2x2 or 2x4 14 ga. welded wire used on the run. No matter how you build it an apron should be used of welded wire flat on ground or under sod for 18-24" to make a dig proof barrier. I use 2x4 welded wire fencing in 4ft width cut in half for an apron. The grass will grow right through it and can be mowed over. It disappears in few months.

Form and function are in the eyes of builder and owner. There are far too many ways to build a run that are functional to list. Beauty is in the eyes of beholder. To me 4x4 wood posts every 8 feet with 2x4's running horizontal at bottom middle and top, all pressure treated and stained an exterior wood toner covered in welded wire, would look good.

 

[Copper Creek]

Thanks for all your help. I do want a permanent run.I probably should have explained this, my yard is completely fenced. The run will only be about 10x20 and half of will lean against a 6 foot tall vinyl fence. Having it so small, I can afford to get attractive materials.The only predators would be my beagle and the occasionally dog I babysit. The reason I want it attractive, is family and friends spend a lot of time in the backyard and the pen would be one of the biggest focal points. Right now I have 3 Brahmas in a small, ugly run. I'm planning on getting on silkies, but I still want the run to be 6 feet tall to match the height of the other fence. Is this making sense? Thank you.

 

[PDPercherons]

I just priced the idea of a 16x16 run with the 4x4,2x4 suggestion. Talking close to $500 in materials with a fenced ceiling too.

 

[aart]

Thanks for all your help. I do want a permanent run.I probably should have explained this, my yard is completely fenced. The run will only be about 10x20 and half of will lean against a 6 foot tall vinyl fence. Having it so small, I can afford to get attractive materials.The only predators would be my beagle and the occasionally dog I babysit. The reason I want it attractive, is family and friends spend a lot of time in the backyard and the pen would be one of the biggest focal points. Right now I have 3 Brahmas in a small, ugly run. I'm planning on getting on silkies, but I still want the run to be 6 feet tall to match the height of the other fence. Is this making sense? Thank you.

What about hawks..... raccoons, possums, weasels, rodents....

 

[Copper Creek]

The chickens I have now, have had no problems with pests or predators at all. The food is in a air tight metal container. Also, my area doesn't have many pests besides deer. Thank you for your concern, though.