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Ready to learn how to build a chicken run? Giving your chickens an enclosed area where they can run around outdoors while feeling safe from predators makes them feel secure and happy. Here are five steps on how to construct a chicken run—including photos and a special guide.
- Overview
- Planning the Size and Location
- Placing Posts and Building the Frame
- Installing the Fencing
- Adding Finishing Touches
Are your chickens cooped up but you want to let them run outside? A chicken run, or an outdoor pen attached to the coop, will help solve your problems and protect your birds from any predators that may be lurking about. With standard tools and supplies that you can pick up from your hardware store, you can build your own safe enclosure and let your birds roam!
Find a space with at least 10 sq ft (0.93 m2) per chicken and plenty of shade in warmer climates, or full sun in cooler climates.
Sink fence posts along the perimeter, with each post 6 to 8 ft (1.8 to 2.4 m) from one another. Then nail 2 × 4 in (5.1 × 10.2 cm) boards across the top of the posts.
Wrap the perimeter in chicken wire, sinking the wire at least 4 in (10 cm) into the ground to deter predators. Also lay the chicken wire over the top of the run.
Create at least 10 sq ft (0.93 m
) of outdoor space per chicken.
Count how many chickens you have and calculate the total area your run needs to be. For example, if you have 10 chickens, you would need 100 sq ft (9.3 m
) minimum for your chickens to be comfortable.
Build your chicken run larger than you need if you plan to grow your flock in the coming years.
Plan the layout of your run next to your chicken coop.
Dig a hole 12 in (30 cm) deep for your first fence post.
Place the first 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) fence post about 3 ft (0.91 m) from your coop so you can place a gate there. Use a shovel or a post digger to make a hole that is 6 in (15 cm) on each side.
Make sure your fence posts are at least 7 ft (2.1 m) tall.
Place a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer of gravel on the bottom of the hole to protect the post’s end from moisture.
Opt for a rot-resistant wood like cedar or white oak for your fence posts and supports.
in the hole and pack the soil back in.
to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm) welded wire to keep out predators.
Calculate the area of fencing you need by measuring the height and length of one side of your run and multiplying them together. Add 4 inches (10 cm) to each height measurement as excess. Repeat this for each side as well as the top of the run and add the areas together to find the total amount of fencing you need.
Fencing can be purchased at your local hardware or farm animal care stores.
The wire is small enough so raccoons, foxes, and weasels are kept out of your run and coop.
If you have larger predators in your area, such as bears, use a chain link dog fence wrapped in smaller welded wires to protect your birds.
Fencing on top of the chicken run will help protect your flock from owls, hawks, and other predatory birds.
Install a gate with a spring so the door shuts automatically.
Attach 2 hinges 18 in (46 cm) from the top and bottom of the fence post with screws and a drill. Hang the door so the bottom is flush with the ground. Screw in the hinges on the side of the door to attach it. Hook one end of a hooked spring to the fencing on the gate and the other end to the fencing of your run.
Gate doors can be purchased or built on your own.
Make sure the door opens out from the run. Otherwise, the spring won’t force the door closed.
Make sure the spring is tight and unstretched. This way, the gate will snap back into place after it’s been opened.
Line the bottom of the run with straw or a bedding alternative.
Sep 15, 2022 · Hammer. Wire Cutters. Saw. Nails/Screw. Step 1. Planning – you need to take into account how many chickens you have and start planning accordingly. You should allow at least one square meters per chicken, and attach the chicken run directly to your coop, so your chickens can safely get from one into the other.
Aug 9, 2016 · Basics you need to learn about include: What to feed your chickens (We feed a whole grain, non-GMO recipe that you can find in Natural Homestead: 40 Recipes for Critters & Crops), where to house them, and whether they will be free-range or need a chicken run. Why Build a Chicken Run?
