How to Build a Chicken Run

Below you will find a step by step guide on how to build a chicken run for your existing chicken coop. 

OVERVIEW

• Estimated Completion Time: 2-3 days
• Experience Required: Medium
• Tools Required: Shovel, Hammer, Wire Cutters, Saw, Nails / Screws
• Materials Required: Chicken wire, Staples / Cable ties, Shade netting (optional), Wooden Planks, Wooden Fence Posts

STEP 1) Plan for Size

• Making a chicken run is quite a big project and it starts with planning the structure thoroughly.
• Plan the enclosure with a minimum size of 1 square meter per chicken.
• It will have to be attached to the coop so make sure to plan it around the chicken coop itself.

 

STEP 2) Position the Posts

• Dig holes for your fence posts at even distances of about 2-2.5 meters at the perimeter of the area. 
• Two posts should be closer together where the gate will be placed later.
• Hammer the posts at least 30 centimeters deep into the ground.

 

STEP 3) Attach the Chicken Wire

• Attach the chicken wire to the posts using staples about every 15 centimeters. 
• Ensure that the mesh is securely stapled to the posts, allowing a little room for movement upon impact or temperature changes.
• Attach the chicken wire to the sides of the coop as well.

 

STEP 4) Add the Gate

• You can build a sturdy frame and attach the wire to the frame using staples.
• Hang the gate with three gate hinges of your choice.
• Attach a latch on the outside of the gate. You should cut a hole beside the latch in order to reach it from the inside as well.

 

STEP 5) Build the Top Frame

• Build a support frame for the roof.
• Use a saw to cut the wooden planks to size – you will need at least four but could be more depending on the size of your run.
• Join the planks together with nails and/or screws.

 

STEP 6) Attach the Wire to the Top

• Staple the wire netting to the top of the frame, at approx. 15cm distances.
• Make sure to staple along every wooden element, such as any support planks you may have in the middle.

 

STEP 7) Cover the Top

• If there isn’t any natural shade around the run, it’s compulsory to add a layer of shade netting to a section at the top of the enclosure.
• Attach it to the mesh with cable ties or to the frame with staples.
• Make sure that you haven’t covered the whole run.

 

STEP 8) Attach the Roof to the Run

• Fix the frame to the posts and the coop itself with nails and/or screws.
• That’s it – your easy DIY chicken run is complete.
• You can now let your poultry roam around in it. 🙂

 

TIPS

• When building a chicken run, you can use gravel or concrete to set the posts in the soil.
• For additional security, dig a trench around the perimeter and sink the fencing down a few centimeters.
• If you can find a pre-made gate that matches your project, you can just attach it according to its design.