How to Make a Chicken Run?
A chicken run is built by carefully selecting a suitable location, constructing a durable and secure perimeter, providing adequate shelter, and ensuring the run offers protection from predators and the elements while providing ample space for your chickens to roam. The entire process hinges on planning and using quality materials.
Why Build a Chicken Run? Understanding the Benefits
Building a chicken run is crucial for the well-being of your flock. It’s more than just keeping your chickens contained; it’s about providing them with a safe and healthy environment.
- Predator Protection: A secure run protects your chickens from foxes, hawks, raccoons, dogs, and other animals that might prey on them. This is arguably the most important benefit.
- Confinement and Control: A run prevents your chickens from damaging your garden, landscaping, or your neighbors’ property. It keeps them in a defined area where you can easily manage their feeding, watering, and waste.
- Weather Protection: A well-designed run can offer shelter from harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and extreme sun. This includes providing shade in the summer and a dry space during wet weather.
- Health and Hygiene: By confining your chickens to a designated area, you can better manage their environment and reduce the risk of disease and parasites. Regular cleaning of the run helps maintain a sanitary environment.
- Egg Production: Happy and healthy chickens lay more eggs. A secure and comfortable run contributes to their overall well-being, which translates to better egg production.
Planning Your Chicken Run: Location, Size, and Design
Before you start building, careful planning is essential. Consider these factors:
- Location: Choose a level area with good drainage. Avoid low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Consider proximity to your house for easy access and monitoring. Ideally, select a location with some natural shade.
- Size: The size of your run depends on the number of chickens you have. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 8-10 square feet of run space per chicken. More space is always better!
- Design: Decide on the shape and layout of your run. Rectangular runs are common, but you can also build square, L-shaped, or even circular runs. Consider incorporating features like a dust bathing area and perches.
A table illustrating space requirements:
| Number of Chickens | Minimum Run Size (sq ft) | Ideal Run Size (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 16 | 20 |
| 4 | 32 | 40 |
| 6 | 48 | 60 |
| 8 | 64 | 80 |
| 10 | 80 | 100 |
Step-by-Step: Building Your Chicken Run
This is a general guide, and specific steps might vary depending on your design and materials.
- Gather Your Materials: This typically includes lumber for the frame, chicken wire or hardware cloth for the walls and roof (if adding a roof), posts for support, roofing material (if applicable), nails, screws, staples, and tools.
- Prepare the Site: Clear the area of any vegetation, rocks, or debris. Level the ground as needed.
- Build the Frame: Construct the frame using lumber. This involves cutting the wood to size and assembling it using screws or nails. Ensure the frame is sturdy and level. Consider burying the bottom framing lumber a few inches below the ground to prevent digging predators from getting in.
- Install the Posts: If your run is large, you’ll need posts for added support. Dig holes for the posts and set them in concrete for stability.
- Attach the Wire Mesh: Attach the chicken wire or hardware cloth to the frame, ensuring it’s securely fastened with staples or nails. Pay close attention to the bottom edges, as this is where predators often try to dig. Overlap the wire mesh sections to ensure no gaps. Hardware cloth is stronger and more effective than chicken wire.
- Add a Door: Construct a door for easy access to the run. The door should be securely latched to prevent predators from entering.
- Consider a Roof (Optional): A roof provides added protection from the elements and predators. Use lumber and roofing materials to build a sturdy roof. You can use simple corrugated metal or shingles.
- Provide Shade and Shelter: Even with a roof, consider adding shade cloth or planting trees or shrubs near the run to provide additional shade. A small chicken coop inside the run offers additional shelter from the elements.
- Secure the Perimeter: After construction, thoroughly inspect the run for any gaps or weaknesses. Reinforce any areas that appear vulnerable. Consider adding a buried apron of hardware cloth that extends outwards from the base of the run to further deter digging predators.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Chicken Run
The materials you choose will impact the durability and longevity of your chicken run.
- Lumber: Use treated lumber to resist rot and decay. Common choices include pressure-treated pine or cedar.
- Wire Mesh: Hardware cloth is the best choice for predator protection. It’s more durable than chicken wire. Chicken wire is more easily torn by predators.
- Roofing Materials: Corrugated metal, shingles, or even tarps can be used for roofing. Choose a material that’s weather-resistant and provides adequate protection.
- Fasteners: Use galvanized nails, screws, and staples to prevent rust and corrosion.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Building a Chicken Run
- Insufficient Size: Underestimating the space requirements for your chickens is a common mistake. Ensure you provide adequate space for them to roam and exercise.
- Inadequate Predator Protection: Using flimsy materials like chicken wire alone and failing to bury the perimeter are common mistakes that can leave your chickens vulnerable to predators.
- Poor Drainage: Building a run in a low-lying area or without proper drainage can lead to muddy conditions and increase the risk of disease.
- Lack of Shade: Providing adequate shade is essential, especially during hot weather. Overheating can be fatal to chickens.
- Ignoring Local Regulations: Check with your local authorities to ensure you comply with any zoning regulations or restrictions on keeping chickens.
Maintenance of your Chicken Run
Regular maintenance will ensure your chicken run lasts for years and keeps your chickens safe.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the run regularly to remove droppings and prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites.
- Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect the run for any damage, such as holes in the wire mesh or loose boards. Repair any damage promptly.
- Monitor for Predators: Be vigilant about monitoring for signs of predators, such as digging near the perimeter or sightings of predators in the area.
- Replace Bedding: Regularly replace the bedding material in the run to keep it clean and dry.
- Check for Rot: Inspect any wooden structures for signs of rot or decay and replace them as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid during Chicken Run Maintenance
- Neglecting Repairs: Ignoring minor damage can lead to more serious problems later on.
- Infrequent Cleaning: Failing to clean the run regularly can create an unhealthy environment for your chickens.
- Improper Waste Disposal: Disposing of chicken droppings improperly can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
- Using Harmful Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the run, as they can be harmful to your chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of wire to use for a chicken run?
Hardware cloth is the best choice due to its strength and durability. It’s made of galvanized steel and is much more resistant to tearing and damage than chicken wire, offering superior protection against predators.
How deep should I bury the wire mesh to prevent predators from digging?
Ideally, bury the wire mesh at least 12 inches deep, and consider adding an outward-facing apron of wire mesh that extends at least another 12 inches horizontally. This creates a barrier that makes it extremely difficult for predators to dig under the run.
How high should my chicken run be?
The height depends on your breed of chickens. A minimum height of 6 feet is generally recommended for standard-sized breeds. This allows you to easily walk inside the run for cleaning and maintenance. If you keep larger breeds, you might consider making it taller.
Do I need to put a roof on my chicken run?
While not always necessary, a roof is highly recommended for added protection from predators and the elements. It also prevents chickens from flying out and can keep wild birds (and their diseases) from getting in.
What kind of bedding should I use in my chicken run?
Good options include wood shavings, straw, or sand. Avoid using treated wood shavings, as they can be harmful to chickens. The best choice depends on your climate and personal preference.
How often should I clean my chicken run?
Cleaning frequency depends on the size of the run and the number of chickens. A good practice is to remove droppings and soiled bedding at least once a week. A more thorough cleaning of the entire run should be done every few months.
Can I use an existing fence as part of my chicken run?
Yes, you can integrate an existing fence into your chicken run, but you need to ensure it’s sturdy and predator-proof. You may need to reinforce the fence with wire mesh and bury the bottom to prevent digging.
What is the best way to provide shade in my chicken run?
Planting trees or shrubs near the run is a great way to provide natural shade. You can also use shade cloth or tarps to create shaded areas. A combination of natural and artificial shade is often the most effective.
How can I prevent my chicken run from becoming muddy?
Good drainage is essential. Ensure the ground slopes away from the run to allow water to drain away. You can also add gravel or sand to the bottom of the run to improve drainage.
What if I live in an area with a lot of snow?
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you may need to build a more robust roof for your chicken run. Clear snow from the roof regularly to prevent it from collapsing. Also, provide a dry and insulated area for your chickens to take shelter during storms.
Is it safe to use pressure-treated lumber for a chicken run?
Modern pressure-treated lumber is generally considered safe for use in chicken runs, provided it’s allowed to dry completely before the chickens come into contact with it. Look for lumber treated with approved chemicals to ensure safety.
How can I prevent my chickens from eating the plants in my garden if the run is next to it?
The best solution is to ensure the run is completely enclosed and has a secure barrier that prevents chickens from escaping. If the run shares a fence with the garden, bury the fence line with hardware cloth to prevent chickens from digging under it. You may also consider adding a deterrent, such as a low electric fence, along the garden side of the run.