Run Requirements and Ideas

[saysfaa]

My friends' current version, after a couple of decades of keeping chickens at that property is t posts with 3' garden fence with a two electric wires. One low to keep predators from going under it and one high to discourage predators from going over it. It goes back into the woods as well as around open land and a small pine plantation so lots of places to hide from hawks.

They would rather have the really big space fenced in somewhat less securely than the small size a fort knox security level would require.

The chickens regularly go over it, as they are supposed to do. It just gives them a safe place to go if they are threatened. They have two roosters to help with watching for predators.

It works pretty well for their goals.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Are you happy with the structure quality for the price? I think I found yours. $50 cheaper and slightly larger than the one I was looking at.

I am happy with it. However, my husband and I put A LOT of extra work and money into making it what we wanted. The hardware cloth alone was hundreds of dollars.

We also constructed a wooden frame (kind of like a huge sand box) to affix the metal structure to. We still plan to add a corrugated roof, but that project will have to wait until spring (those roof panels are also not cheap). I will be clearing snow off the tarped roof all winter to ensure the weight doesn't collapse the entire thing!

Here's what it looked like after we finished the initial construction (before we added the HW cloth and tarps - the tarps that come with it are pictured, but we covered the whole structure with a 20x30 tarp for winter):

 

[akf93]

I am happy with it. However, my husband and I put A LOT of extra work and money into making it what we wanted. The hardware cloth alone was hundreds of dollars.

We also constructed a wooden frame (kind of like a huge sand box) to affix the metal structure to. We still plan to add a corrugated roof, but that project will have to wait until spring (those roof panels are also not cheap). I will be clearing snow off the tarped roof all winter to ensure the weight doesn't collapse the entire thing!

Here's what it looked like after we finished the initial construction (before we added the HW cloth and tarps - the tarps that come with it are pictured, but we covered the whole structure with a 20x30 tarp for winter):

View attachment 3322370

Cute set up!! I love it!! This would be something we’d consider next year. I really like what you did! But for now, it’s protecting them from the winter predators. Can I ask how many birds you have in it? Do they seem pretty happy in it? I’m so worried my girls are going to hate life being in the run after only ever free ranging.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Cute set up!! I love it!! This would be something we’d consider next year. I really like what you did! But for now, it’s protecting them from the winter predators. Can I ask how many birds you have in it? Do they seem pretty happy in it? I’m so worried my girls are going to hate life being in the run after only ever free ranging.

I can totally understand that fear! I only have 8 chickens, so they have a TON of room, even with the coop inside the run! They seem to be happy, and I let them out into our yard when weather permits (and I'm supervising the whole time), but they are also quite content in the run for full days. Since you have 20+ birds, that question would be tougher for you. Based on the recommended size requirements, the size of the run (without a coop in it) is alright for about 26 birds. I think, in your case, it would be super important to make sure they have LOTS to do within the confines of the run! Like this (aka a "cluttered run" search that term in the forums here and you'll find lots of great ideas!):

 

[akf93]

I can totally understand that fear! I only have 8 chickens, so they have a TON of room, even with the coop inside the run! They seem to be happy, and I let them out into our yard when weather permits (and I'm supervising the whole time), but they are also quite content in the run for full days. Since you have 20+ birds, that question would be tougher for you. Based on the recommended size requirements, the size of the run (without a coop in it) is alright for about 26 birds. I think, in your case, it would be super important to make sure they have LOTS to do within the confines of the run! Like this (aka a "cluttered run" search that term in the forums here and you'll find lots of great ideas!):
View attachment 3322381

Thanks for your input! We will definitely have to spruce it up. I think our coop will remain outside the run and we will attach it to the current run which (I *think*) is probably 50-60sq ft. So hopefully it will work well!! A little concerned with how messy the ducks will make it. But hoping the size will be okay with that extra space. Sadly won’t be adding anymore birds to my “fun flock” from here on out and will only be focusing on layers.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Thanks for your input! We will definitely have to spruce it up. I think our coop will remain outside the run and we will attach it to the current run which (I *think*) is probably 50-60sq ft. So hopefully it will work well!! A little concerned with how messy the ducks will make it. But hoping the size will be okay with that extra space. Sadly won’t be adding anymore birds to my “fun flock” from here on out and will only be focusing on layers.

I can tell this is such a bummer for you! I'm sorry you have to make these tough decisions. I think with a big enough (predator proof) run and some creativity with "boredom busters" and such, your birds will be really happy. You seem to care very much for their well-being, and that is the most important thing! These forums, and people with far more experience than I, have so many great ideas for ways to make 24/7 run living work for them and their birds!

I hope you'll keep us updated on how things are going with your process! I bet your story will be helpful to others who are experiencing a similar situation!