Ultimate Chicken Coop and chain link run

[hvntgtaclu]

Hey all! Joined this group when I 1st got my chicks. Have read and absorbed tons of information that helped me along the way. Awesome forum. Was thinking about building a coop and run but decided to go this way instead. Very happy with this Ultimate Chicken C

oop. They thought of everything to make it easy, especially on 1st timers. I live in Southern New Jersey where the soil is very Sandy and drains well. Whole family helped in this project.

 

[Soy Milano]

Great job! It looks fantastic! Except for a few things. I would replace the poultry wire wrapped around the chain link with hardware cloth, and would secure it with zipties. Also, you may need to anchor down that poultry wire a bit better....here is an infographic with the reasons why this is...http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[rosemarythyme]

Great job! It looks fantastic! Except for a few things. I would replace the poultry wire wrapped around the chain link with hardware cloth, and would secure it with zipties. Also, you may need to anchor down that poultry wire a bit better....

I'd go a step further - skip zip ties (unless metal zip ties) and use hog rings or j-clips to secure welded wire or hardware cloth to the chain link, spaced over the body of the entire fence. If it's not cost effective to replace all of it I would do at least the bottom few feet with hardware cloth over the existing wire.

The wood frame around the edge of the apron may or may not defeat the point of the apron... very hard to say as it depends on how smart or persistent the pest/predator is. It may work as is, or you may find that something will try digging at the edge of the wood...

 

[Sequel]

Oh how much fun is that? I hope you have the best time with your chickens!

 

[N F C]

Looks like the kids had fun!

 

[hvntgtaclu]

Oh how much fun is that? I hope you have the best time with your chickens!

Thanks, we are absolutely loving the birds and the total chicken experience. It's even better than I had hoped for

 

[hvntgtaclu]

OK so I guess I need to quote each reply? Just figuring this process out.

 

[hvntgtaclu]

Great job! It looks fantastic! Except for a few things. I would replace the poultry wire wrapped around the chain link with hardware cloth, and would secure it with zipties. Also, you may need to anchor down that poultry wire a bit better....here is an infographic with the reasons why this is...http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

Thanks for the link to that information. I looked into that hardware netting originally. Was told by other chicken owners in my area that the poultry netting would be just fine over the chain link. Wish I woulda went with my original idea now. Looks like raccoons have been trying to get in up at the top of the fencing. I have heavy duty zip ties every 4" or so And there is no way they are getting in that way.

 

[hvntgtaclu]

I'd go a step further - skip zip ties (unless metal zip ties) and use hog rings or j-clips to secure welded wire or hardware cloth to the chain link, spaced over the body of the entire fence. If it's not cost effective to replace all of it I would do at least the bottom few feet with hardware cloth over the existing wire.

The wood frame around the edge of the apron may or may not defeat the point of the apron... very hard to say as it depends on how smart or persistent the pest/predator is. It may work as is, or you may find that something will try digging at the edge of the wood...

Chirping
NewI'm a complete and total novice here, 1st time getting chicks. I have heavy duty zip ties quite close together but something more substantial , like metal wire would be better I guess. Plan was to go out two feet minimum with the apron had never thought about the wood sticking up creating an edge for them to dig at. Thanks for the advice!

 

[hvntgtaclu]

Looks like the kids had fun!

We have a good time setting up and putting it all together as a family. Kids loved it! They are seriously diggin these chickens also! My daughter especially, she's like a little animal whisper.