T-Posts for Run?

[eponagirl]

Has anyone used T-posts instead of wood for their run? (If we did this, we would cover the top with netting, use 1/2 inch Hdwr Cloth around, etc)

Is there any reason to NOT do this or any other thoughts, concerns, suggestions???'

Pictures of your run, if you used T-posts would be great if you have them.

 

[nightshade]

this is what we are doing in the shorter height fence section of our run on our new hen house. This is also what we did on our current run where we live now. Just make sure you either put something around the bottom of the fence to attach it to like boards, bury the fence a little bit or do like I did and put a small stone wall the way around the bottom. Or they are bound to wiggle/ dig out under the fence over time.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

That's what I did...it had to be temporary, because we rent...

...the top is covered with the same 2" chicken wire as the sides...and it's all zip tied together...a little cheesy, but it's not noticeable, and it'll be super easy to take down...

 

[Slywoody]

Please keep in mind, the object of the game is not to keep chickens in, ( anybody can do that), But to keep predators out. I would strongly suggest digging some wire down at least a foot all around the run and the coop. It's possible to lose your whole flock to some varmint due to poor "Predator Proofing". Just trying to help. Good Luck,,,,,,,, Woody

 

[hobbyfarmrookie]

Here is a pic of the run I made. I used 2"x4" welded wire then on the outside I ran chicken wire to keep the little guys in because I have various size chicks in there. I do not have a top on mine because I have not had a predator issue, my lovely english foxhound keeps everything ran off.

 

[txredneckmedic]

I did that at first also till I was able to build something a little better for my taste. Worked fine.

 

[Stina]

I plan on using t-posts and a coated welded wire (will have to be one of the narrower spacings b/c my chickens will be seramas). I will bury the bottom of the wire...I think at least 6 inches. Since it will be all green I think it will look alright...should also make it less obvious.

 

[kidd42]

I just did the same thing this past Sunday. I made mine 12' L x 8' w. This is a temp. run until I have time to build my wooden one this fall.

 

[kassy68]

Ok New to chickens here.. Getting ready to start the coop.

Will adult chickens not fly out of a 4' tall pen if theres not top? I have 9 poodles and have never had a thing touch my veggie garden, but I do have hawks that fly over..

 

[patandchickens]

T posts are more durable than wood and termites won't eat them. Also they are way, way faster and easier to set.

That's about all their advantages. On the "con" side, they are not especially strong (particularly the cheaper garden-type ones), are more easily pushed over by wind or animals especially in sandy or wet soil, you can't attach the fence as securely or evenly or easily to them as you can to wooden posts, and it is far harder to put a *secure strong* top on the run if you've used t-posts.

A compromise for the budget-minded or those averse to digging holes is to use (rot-resistant or treated) wood posts for the corners -- which may be only 2 corners if the run is attached to the coop corners -- and use t-posts for the 'line' posts in between.

You *can* build a run entirely of t-posts but it is not going to be nearly as durable or predator-safe, especially vs large dogs, as it would be if based on wood posts and the things you can do with them that you can't do with t-posts.

JME,

Pat