What run would you build?

[Laurnerox1]

So I will be getting my chicks in the next couple months and I need to build them a run! Thank goodness I already have a good coop that was left by the previous owners, shown in picture. Now I put up a fence in my yard to keep my dogs in, it runs a couple feet behind the coop. There is a small chicken door on the back if the coop. I was thinking about doing a small tunnel off of that and then a big run off to the left .
What would you build as a run? I obviously can't cut down the trees. What would be the easiest materials to use? How would you work around the trees? I want to be able to walk inside it comfortably (I am 6 feet tall). And how far over should I go? I ordered 15 chicks.
Thanks for your advice!!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I would thoroughly clean that coop with diluted bleach first. I use old dog kennel sections for my run. It’s 6ft with no roof since I house them nightly and free range during good weather. I wrapped hardwire mesh around the base to keep the chicks in when they hatch naturally.

 

[Laurnerox1]

I would thoroughly clean that coop with diluted bleach first. I use old dog kennel sections for my run. It’s 6ft with no roof since I house them nightly and free range during good weather. I wrapped hardwire mesh around the base to keep the chicks in when they hatch naturally.

I have a dog kennel that is 5 x 10 x 6. Which is too small if I only use that. I've considered using my existing fencing, but putting hardware cloth on it and under it to make it secure. Then using my dog kennel walls for the other sides of the run, and again, reinforcing with hardware cloth.
We have a lot of predators out here, I'm worried about my chickens even during the day. Would they be alright with out a roof?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I have a dog kennel that is 5 x 10 x 6. Which is too small if I only use that. I've considered using my existing fencing, but putting hardware cloth on it and under it to make it secure. Then using my dog kennel walls for the other sides of the run, and again, reinforcing with hardware cloth.
We have a lot of predators out here, I'm worried about my chickens even during the day. Would they be alright with out a roof?

We have tons of predators here too from weasels to bobcats and I have yet to lose one due to not gaining a run roof. The thing is to put them up at night and let them out during first daylight.

 

[aart]

Would they be alright with out a roof?

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[rosemarythyme]

If you can afford to roof the run, that's the best option - provides predator protection and weather protection. Past that, wire mesh or netting (if aerial predators are the main concern).

I had a fence company build a run but didn't think I needed it covered... until I did. And my husband is over 6' tall so I went too short on the sides as well. So my run now looks a little cobbled together but at least he can walk in it, and no more hawks getting in.

Raised crossbars over the 6' portion to allow for netting to drape over the top:


7' tall U posts with tension wire to form a 6' tall "frame" to allow netting to drape over the 4' tall fence. The coop serves as center support. Yes that gate is still usable, just have to duck to get in. I have the netting clipped to it while it's not in use:


Long story short, don't skimp on height/roof like me and end up having to do a lot of work to cover it in the end!

Something like chain link or welded wire with a layer of hardware cloth or smaller opening wire over the bottom few feet at least and aproned out should provide a pretty good amount of protection against most predators and pests. If you have persistent climbing predators you might need to extend the smaller opening wire (no larger than 1/2") over the entire thing. If you're dealing with some larger predators (i.e. bears) electric is really the only proven deterrent.