And don’t forget to build bigger with extra room in anticipation of your flock possibly growing as the years pass! Step 2: Set Your Posts In general, the more space you can allow your chickens, the better. But before you sketch out your plan and assemble your supplies, try laying out some boards on the ground to get an idea of just how big (or small!) the area is and adjust accordingly. So that means if you have 10 chickens, you should plan on a pen that’s at least 10x10, or 100 square feet. The rule of thumb is to allow a minimum of 10 square feet of outdoor run space per chicken. The size of the run you will need to build depends on the size of your flock. Step 1: Plan How Big the Chicken Run Should Be 1/2” welded wire fencing or 1” welded wire fencing.Optional: Quikrete (or other concrete mix).In colder climates, positioning your run in full sun is a good idea, as the chickens will be able to warm up in the sun all day.Įxact quantities will depend on the size run you decide to build! In warmer climates, consider either building your pen under some trees (or adding some trees after your pen is built). They will need access to the coop to lay their eggs, and might choose to spend time in the coop on cold or rainy days. Your chicken run should be attached to your coop, with a little door on the side of the coop that will allow the chickens to come and go during the day. Finally, a safe pen will also ensure that your chickens don’t wander into the road or into a neighbor’s garden or onto their front porch. ( See how to build a chicken coop.)Īlthough most predators hunt by night, there are daytime threats to a backyard flock, including dogs, foxes, hawks, and eagles so a chicken run will keep chickens safe. Read about the common predators of chickens.Ī chicken run also keeps your lawn, garden and landscaping safe from your chickens, who take great delight in digging up small plants, munching on leaves, scratching through mulch, and making a happy mess. What is a Chicken Run?Ī “chicken run” is a predator-proof fenced area attached to a chicken coop, the structure where your chicken live. Here are five steps on how to construct a chicken run-including photos and a special guide. 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.
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