Running electric into coop

[Iluveggers]

I have an outdoor plug about 10 feet from my run. Would like to run an extension cord into the run. A couple of questions:

1. What is the best way to run the cord through, digging under/burying, cutting a small hole in the hardware cloth, or something else?

2. What is the best way to protect the cord from being pecked? I’m thinking I will get one of those waterproof covers for the plug part, but what about the cord itself?

Primary purpose is to plug in the deicer for the water. All suggestions welcome, thanks!

 

[raingarden]

I don't think chickens can damage the cord. Rats could.

 

[sdm111]

Make sure you get a 12/3 or thicker cord. It costs more but alot safer than 14 or 16/3.

 

[sdm111]

You could also make your own with romex burial wire and a couple plugs and bury it thats the safest. It's designed to do that. No conduit required

 

[Chicken Heel]

I don't think chickens can damage the cord. Rats could.

Rats love chewing on electrical cords.

 

[WIchickMama]

I buried my cord from the outdoor barn plug to the coop. Then I ran it up the side and then along the inside of the roof to where I needed electric. Cord stays all year but I only need electricity in the winter.

 

[Iluveggers]

Make sure you get a 12/3 or thicker cord. It costs more but alot safer than 14 or 16/3.

Package said to use a 16/3. We have a 12/3 also but the directions specifically said 16/3. I have no idea what it means but I do read directions carefully. Any difference in using the 12?

 

[Iluveggers]

I don't think chickens can damage the cord. Rats could.

We don’t have much of a rat issue. Small field mice, but no rats. Would mice damage it?

 

[raingarden]

Package said to use a 16/3. We have a 12/3 also but the directions specifically said 16/3. I have no idea what it means but I do read directions carefully. Any difference in using the 12?

Directions for what? They probably mean 16 gauge or larger. 12 gauge is lager than 16 gauge. 16/3 means there are three conductors; a hot wire, neutral wire and ground wire.

 

[Iluveggers]

Directions for what? They probably mean 16 gauge or larger. 12 gauge is lager than 16 gauge. 16/3 means there are three conductors; a hot wire, neutral wire and ground wire.

Directions for the deicer water container said to make sure to use a 16/3. I’ll check it again, and post a pic if that would help. So no difference except for thickness, right?