Show Me Your RUN!

[will hunt for food]

Thanks. It gives me lots of ideas. I am about finished with my coop, and will start the run next.

 

[AK Michelle]

Thank god somebody was smart enough to ask about runs. I need to get mine started so I need all the ideas I can get!

Thanks Darkwolf for starting this thread.

Michelle

 

[mener6896]

I agree!! I am at a standstill with deciding how to complete my run. Our coop is still is the building process (just trim needed outside, and inside needs finished) but I am nervous about the run..

After seeing some of these pictures, I have a few questions...

has anyone tried the 7' metal fencing stakes driven into the ground to hold the fencing up? My husband really doesn't want to dig more postholes.

Also, is bird netting enough over the top to keep out predators?

and if I am using 2"x4" welded wire garden fence, it only comes in 4' height (for the vinyl coated like my garden) how do I connect it together? piece to piece/ or if I want it a little taller?

I also have to try to figure out a gate to get in, without using wood.....

Sorry I have so many questions, but I am really afraid of predators, and I have to get my chicks out of my garage...it's getting smelly!!

 

[DarkWolf]

Michelle, my pleasure..

Quote:
If it's 7', it will be 6-5' when it's in the ground, else it's a fine idea. So long as it can support the weight of a fence, it's good to go.

Quote:
I... Often wonder about this... My thought is no.. I'm going with a good gauge chicken wire on top of ours.. My thought is, coons climb.

Quote:
There are several ways. My choice would be using J-Clips and J-Clip pliers .

Quote:
Why no wood? That's perplexing.. I did the inner coop door with 2x4 ripped in half and then screwed at the edges. I then strengthened it with corner hardware made to make doors then just stapled chicken wire to it. For your case, I'd use stronger wire, but would still do the framing the same.

Quote:
Mine are in the house during the night.. At 8 weeks old, they're a bit big to stay in much longer. And the rooster crows in the morning..

Makes a fine alarm clock..

Dang I hate mornings.

 

[Emzyyy]

My run is not worthy

 

[DarkWolf]

Everyones run is worthy, eh.. That's the whole point of this thread! To post up your run so others can see what works and get ideas on things to help them along the process of coop construction that is rarely covered to any extent.

 

[Vallen513]

I was wondering about runs and predators. Mainly through the top of the runs near trees. Do any predators like possums or raccoons or other critters come through the top? I am designing my run and am wondering if this has happened to anyone? So I know what to use for the top of the run, if anything?

 

[garngang]

all of this is so helpful! we are FINALLY building our run this weekend so all of this gives me a lot of ideas on what we are doing. thanks a ton guys!

 

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
Great job!! Love the detailed discription. I need to build my run in Alaksa so the weather is similar. I have a strong wind off a glacier to contend with so I really appreciate your mention of blueskin. I'll be doing some research to see what I can get here. Our coop is not yet insulated, I just bought a salt box style shed from the high school since I didn't have the talent to build a coop.

Anyway, thanks again for all the details.
Michelle

 

[ducks4you]

Oh, my, I need to share!

Get a "corkscrew" type post-hole digger, if don't have one yet. They are SSSSSOOOOOOOO much easier to use, that I dig holes every year for my tomatoes with them. Really!
Those diggers that you slam into the ground, then pull apart are for professional wrestlers, ONLY!!!!.

I bought my "corkscrew" when I moved to the country--dug the holes for 8 posts in one day. (I was sore after THAT one, though.)