YO GEORGIANS! :)

[missy1971]

We are going to start making a run about 34' x 12' - what materials are recommended to keep it predator proof and yet not break my bank account? We were also wanting to make it 5'-6' tall so we don't have to squat walk inside.

I use hardware cloth. I just got a 25ft roll of 24 inch high 1/2 in for 19.99 at tractor supply. I was stunned I got it that cheap

 

[JennD08]

just found a roll of 1/2" hardware cloth at Home Depot 48"x100ft for $153. I am thinking that would be good deal?

Hubby no longer trusts my math skills since 3 chickens turned into 12 on my way home.

Hubby is really really in love with that t-post idea above. For some reason he doesn't like digging in our clay

 

[livhatcher]

We are going to start making a run about 34' x 12' - what materials are recommended to keep it predator proof and yet not break my bank account? We were also wanting to make it 5'-6' tall so we don't have to squat walk inside.

The only advice I have is via my coop builder/husband. When thinking of size, consider lumber dimensions. A lot is 12 foot length so maybe you do 36' and save yourself a ton of cuts when it comes to wood & wire. We have built everything from raised beds and runs and coop in order to minimize cuts and waste. Just my .02...

 

[JennD08]

Those are awesome pennies!!! And if I add another 24sqft that means I get 1 more chicken right?

Maybe I need bigger . How many gals would you put in a run that big? Current gals are 4 barred rock, 5 ee, 3 rir (was supposed to be ameracauna but I fell prey to the feed store calling them the wrong thing - still hoping for blue or green eggs though).

 

[whompascat]

New here!!
Pike county

 

[JennD08]

Hello neighbor! South Fayette here

 

[livhatcher]

Those are awesome pennies!!! And if I add another 24sqft that means I get 1 more chicken right?

Maybe I need bigger . How many gals would you put in a run that big? Current gals are 4 barred rock, 5 ee, 3 rir (was supposed to be ameracauna but I fell prey to the feed store calling them the wrong thing - still hoping for blue or green eggs though).

Mine is roughly 100 sq ft of run, with nesting boxes and roost box on one end. Most plans for coops I've seen estimate a 6x12 coop fitting up to 14 birds. I think you just need to research what per bird square footage makes YOU comfortable with regard to the health and wellbeing of your flock. I personally think 12 x 36 is HUGE and could house more birds than would make anyone's spouse happy.

The nice thing about using standard lumber dimensions is that whether you section it by 3' or 4' or even 2' sections, you have hardware cloth readily available in those widths which allows your hands some escape from metal pricks!!

And, if you need more birds, we are here for you!

 

[livhatcher]

New here!!
Pike county

Hello neighbor! South Fayette here

Welcome!! Bibb here!

 

[ShadesofSable]

Hatching shipped eggs question---I just got my shipment today. One egg is hairline cracked. Would you attempt to hatch it after a minor glue-up repair or just chuck it?
I don't want it to explode in the incubator and ruin everything else, but if someone has a hairline crack success story, please share.

Nevermind. Upon candling, the cracking appeared more extensive. I tossed it. Now I'm on the search for more eggs to fill my incubators.

If you don't mind driving out to Atlanta I have a few hatching eggs I could hold for you! All beautiful mixes though, no purebreds.

 

[livhatcher]

If you don't mind driving out to Atlanta I have a few hatching eggs I could hold for you! All beautiful mixes though, no purebreds.

You are as sweet as you can be, but I cannot make myself go too far with all 4 kids home for summer and work!!!! I'm going to pick up Isbar, CL, and Choc/Cuckoo Orps tomorrow to set with the solid white Polish BECAUSE I AM CRAZY!!!!!!