I'm getting ready to build a chicken run. My origianl plan was to create an L- shape run using 2 of the coop walls. The possitve for this plan is the back side of the coop would create a good amount of shade in the summer time in the afternoon. Now I'm wondering if making a long rectangular run of the side of the coop would be better. I have about 50 ft of fencing materail to use and I want to maximize it's use. Which is better in your opinion - long and narrow or L
Don't know where you are, but if it gets hot there, then the shade would be a great idea, and using coop walls would maximize your fence length. I say go for it! Glad you're here. BYC is full of smart thinkers like you! (sometimes even I can think straight. You can tell because they haven't kicked me off the site yet!)
I would suggest using the coop walls and go for the shade. i did that and am glad I did. It also helps provide some protection against the wind at times.
Just about any time you can use walls to stretch your fencing materials, it's a good thing. I used a lot of garage wall space for my run, but I goofed a bit. A lot of winter time sun is blocked... So do weigh everything. Summer and winter sun, where do your main winds come from, water drainage, etc. Good luck!
