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.