Building the Perfect Chicken Run: Tips and Tricks

Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do they provide fresh eggs and fluffy companionship, but they also help to keep your garden and yard free from pests. However, in order to keep them healthy and happy, it’s important to give them enough space to roam and plenty of fresh air.

One way to accomplish this is by building a chicken run – a fenced-in area that provides security from predators and allows your feathered friends to enjoy the outdoors safely. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in making a chicken run that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you are a seasoned DIY-er or a beginner, you can easily create a cozy haven for your feathered friends with just a bit of planning and effort.

10 Steps to Build Your Own Chicken Run

Step 1: Determine the Size of Your Chicken Run

The first step to building your own chicken run is to determine the size. The size of your chicken run will depend on the number of chickens you plan to have and the space you have available. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10 square feet per chicken. So, if you plan to have six chickens, you will need a chicken run that is at least 60 square feet.

Step 2: Choose the Location

Once you have determined the size of your chicken run, you need to choose a location. The location should be flat and well-drained. It should also be an area that is easily accessible for you to collect eggs and clean the chicken coop.

Step 3: Prepare the Ground

Now that you have chosen the location for your chicken run, it’s time to prepare the ground. Remove any rocks, debris, or weeds from the area. You can level the ground with a rake or spade, and then lay down a layer of gravel to improve drainage.

Step 4: Install the Perimeter Fencing

The perimeter fencing is a crucial component of your chicken run. It keeps your chickens safe from predators like foxes, raccoons, and neighborhood dogs. You can use chicken wire or hardware cloth to create the perimeter fencing. Make sure the fencing goes underground at least 6 inches to prevent predators from digging under it.

Step 5: Build the Frame

Now it’s time to build the frame for your chicken run. You can use wooden posts to create the frame and attach the perimeter fencing to it. Make sure the posts are sturdy and secure.

Step 6: Create the Roof

The roof is another important component of your chicken run. It provides shade and protection from the elements. You can use corrugated metal roofing or shade cloth to create the roof.

Step 7: Install the Door

The door is how you will access your chicken run. You can use a premade chicken door or create your own. Make sure the door is secure and can be latched to prevent predators from getting in.

Step 8: Add the Chicken Coop

Your chicken run needs a chicken coop where your chickens can lay their eggs and roost at night. You can build your own chicken coop or buy a premade one. Make sure the coop is secure and provides adequate ventilation.

Step 9: Add the Feeders and Waterers

Your chickens will need access to food and water inside the chicken run. You can use feeders and waterers specifically designed for chickens or create your own. Make sure they are secured to prevent them from tipping over.

Step 10: Add Enrichment Activities

Finally, add enrichment activities to your chicken run to keep your chickens happy and healthy. You can add perches, dust baths, and even a compost area for your chickens to scratch and peck. A happy chicken makes for better eggs!

Planning Your Chicken Run Space

When designing your chicken run, you need to have a clear idea of how much space your chickens need to be happy and healthy. It’s important to remember that chickens like to spread their wings and have plenty of space to move about freely. As a general rule, you’ll need a minimum of 4 square feet per chicken.

Choosing the Right Location

The location of your chicken run is vital to the safety and wellbeing of your chickens. It should be in a secure area that’s protected from predators. Consider an area with a fence or wall to provide that extra level of protection. Also, consider the prevailing winds and how much sunshine the area receives. Chickens need ample sunshine to stay healthy. Lastly, make sure there is ample shade for your chickens to relax outside of the suns peak times.

Determining the Size of Your Run

As aforementioned, you should have a minimum of 4 square feet per chicken. However, it’s always best to plan on an oversized chicken run. This will create a healthier environment for your chickens, increase the effectiveness of parasite control, and ultimately limit stress and decrease feed consumption.

Adding a Chicken Coop

If you haven’t already included a coop in your planning, you should consider doing that now. A coop is a shelter for your chickens at night-time, and a place where they can lay their eggs. Your chicken coop should be about 4 square feet per chicken, or more if possible.

Chicken Run Shape and Orientation

If you are limited to a small backyard, consider building an elongated rectangular run. If this is the case, we suggest placing the coop at the end to maximize on space. Placing the run in an east-west direction also encourages more sun penetration

Chicken Run Height

The height of your chicken run depends on whether you want to give your chickens free-range or confined range. Heights generally range from six feet or taller. Keep in mind that a higher run means more protection, and it will make cleaning and maintenance easier.

Adding Roosts and Nest Boxes

Roosting poles and boxes in the chicken run help keep chickens calm, reduce aggression, and injury. It’s important to note that roosting poles should be 6 inches to 2 feet high, and 12 inches of horizontal spacing should be allowed per bird.

Coverage and Flooring

Chickens need dry ground to dust bath, take a dust bath to maintain healthy skin and feathers. Our suggestion for your chicken run flooring is sand mixed with diatomaceous earth while providing a solid roof to protect against the elements.

Chicken Waterers and Feeders

To keep your chickens healthy and happy, consider using feeders and waterers. It’s important to keep them clean and free of debris and change the water regularly. You can even use nipple waterers to ensure that the water stays clean throughout the day.

Adding Vegetation and Enrichment

You can plant grasses, various shrubs, and trees around the chicken run to take full advantage of available resources while also creating a more natural feel. Chickens can be bored and add in entertainment value by adding swings, hanging bells, and other chicken-toys.

Materials Needed

In order to build a proper chicken run, you will need to gather materials before you begin the construction process. Below are the materials you will need to get started:

Building the Chicken Run

Now that you have gathered all of the necessary materials, it’s time to start building your chicken run! Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Choose the Location

The first step in building a chicken run is choosing the location. Make sure that the area you choose is safe, secure, and protected from predators. It should be a flat area with good drainage, make sure it is accessible from the chicken coop and easy to clean.

Step 2: Set the Posts

Set the posts in the ground in the shape and size you would like your chicken run to be. Use a shovel to dig a hole in the ground for each post. The holes should be at least two feet deep and six inches wide. Place the posts in the hole and use a level to make sure they are straight. Fill the hole with dirt and pack it down tightly around the post.

Step 3: Install the Chicken Wire

Once the posts are set, it’s time to install the chicken wire. Staple the chicken wire to the posts, working your way around the perimeter of the chicken run. Make sure the wire extends below the ground, at least 12 inches, to deter predators from digging under the chicken run.

Step 4: Add the Hardware Cloth

After the chicken wire is installed, add an additional layer of hardware cloth around the bottom of the chicken run, burying it in the ground. This will offer an extra layer of protection from predators.

Step 5: Finish the Chicken Run

Finally, add any finishing touches to your chicken run, such as a roof, shade from the sun, or nesting boxes. Your chicken run is now complete!

Building a chicken run may seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right materials and some basic construction knowledge, it can be a fun and rewarding project. Remember, a secure and comfortable chicken run will help keep your flock healthy, happy, and safe for years to come.

Time to Let Your Chickens Run Wild!

Thanks for sticking with us to the end! We hope that this guide was able to help you build the chicken run of your dreams. You’re on your way to raising happy, healthy chickens that will bring fresh eggs to your table every morning. Remember, your chickens need a safe, secure and spacious place to roam. So, why not build them a chicken run? And be sure to swing by again soon, as we have more helpful tips and tricks for backyard chicken farming!