Show Me Your RUN!

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General rule of them for standard chickens...4 sq. ft. for coop space PLUS 10 sq. ft. for run space.

As for wind, it is VERY windy here. We use metal fencing for the run. The smaller coop has stakes driven into the ground and they are screwed to the coop "legs" to makes sure it can't tip over. The larger coop is 8"x12" 2x4 frame construction, so we aren't worried about that (though it is built on concrete pillars which are screwed into the wood beams). The chickens aren't fond of the strong winds of course, so we put boards up along the fence in the wind direction, so they can hang out outside without the wind ruffling their feathers or blowing them over. (poor chickens) I'd attach a pic, but I don't have one. Oh...with winds...be EXTRA cautious of draft in the coop!
 
These are some pics of my run. It is 8x16 by around 6 feet tall . All the lumber used was recycled from an old deck. Construction isnt complete but this is what I have done.

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The lower half of the run is covered with hardware cloth buried 18" into the ground. The top has standard poultry netting. I used treated screws to assemble all the pieces. All seams and staple points will be reinforced with furring strips .

When complete the run will have a secure door for cleaning access. I am planning on roofing it with corrugated panels to cut down on the mud.

The only problem that came up was how to connect the coop and run. My coop has an 8" overhanging roof and I wanted the run to but up securley to it. The solution was to devise a small 'tunnel' from scrap lumber and hardware cloth. This is also buried 18" underground to deter diggers.

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Tunnel view from inside the run

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This shows the connection from coop to run


The chicks are due any day, will post more as they arrive.
 
Gabby3535 -
I just looked at all your photos - what a gorgeous set-up! I especially like the little covered run area you made from a pallet - one more thing to add to my plans! If it'd ever stop raining, I could get started.
 
I've always been meaning to ask...

are those 'maximum' areas (as far as coop of course) as much as minimum - if ya know what I mean to say, for particular reasons like in the winter to keep it warmer

is there such a thing as too much coop space?
 
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The only time there is too much coop space is for those in colder climates. Then it would be difficult at best for the birds to heat their coops with body heat alone. Then additional heating would be required.
 
Here is my run. Just finished it this weekend. This is the door (south) side.
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Ignore the dog, he and the rooster were having a staring contest. The roo won.

This is the view from the North side.
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Here is a view of the inside of the run, with the silly chicks.
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I had a lot of fun building it, and I think it came out pretty good....(my husband was pretty impressed!)
 

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