How To Build A Chicken Run In Your Backyard – Step By Step Guide

Are you an avid chicken-keeper who wants to give your feathered friends more freedom? Building a chicken run in your backyard is one of the best ways to ensure your chickens have access to fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of room to roam. Not only is it a great way to provide your chickens with a safe and secure environment, but it also gives them more space to spread their wings and explore. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of building a chicken run from start to finish, so you can give your chickens the best possible home. With the right materials, careful planning, and a bit of elbow grease, you can create a comfortable and secure chicken run that will give your chickens plenty of room to roam.

Gather Materials

A chicken run is a substantial project, and you’ll need to gather some materials before you start building. You’ll need to decide what materials you want to use for your chicken run. Some common materials used for chicken runs include: – Wood – This is a popular choice for a chicken run, as it is easy to maintain and is a natural, renewable resource. You can build a chicken run out of wood in many different ways, including with a slatted frame or mesh. You can use either untreated wood or wood that has been pressure treated. – PVC – This is a good option if you want a very secure chicken run, as it is extremely robust. PVC is also easy to clean, which can be an advantage if your run isn’t attached to a coop. You can build a chicken run out of PVC in many ways, either in frames or as a mesh. – Metal – This is a good option if you want a very secure chicken run, as it is extremely strong and difficult for pests to penetrate. You can build a chicken run out of metal in many ways, including as a mesh.

Measure and Mark Out the Area

Once you have your materials, you need to mark out the area where you want your chicken run to be. Make sure you have enough space for your chickens. Most breeds need about 4 square feet of space, so you need to plan accordingly. You also need to make sure to have an area for your chickens to roost. For the run, you need to leave at least 2 feet of clearance on the ground. Make sure the run is on high ground to keep your chickens safe from predators like dogs and foxes. If you’re building a chicken run inside your property, it’s a good idea to mark out the area as accurately as possible to save yourself time and effort during the construction process.

Dig Out the Run

Once you’ve marked out the area, you can start digging the chicken run. The run is the part of the chicken pen that your chickens will live in. It should be a minimum of 2 feet deep and should have a slanted bottom to allow water to drain out. The material you use to dig the run can depend on what materials you’re using for the rest of the chicken pen. For example, if you’re using wood for the rest of the pen, you can dig the run out with a spade. If you’re using PVC, you can use a PVC pipe cutter. Once the run is the correct depth, you need to level the bottom of the run so it is completely flat. You can achieve this with a shovel or spade. chicken run

Place the Posts and Build the Frame

Once you’ve dug the run and leveled the bottom, you can start to build the frame for the run. Depending on the materials you’re using, you can build the frame in a number of ways. Some materials, such as wood, can be used as an interlocking frame. Other materials, such as PVC, can be joined with couplings. Whatever materials you’re using, make sure they are securely attached together.

Cover the Chicken Run

Once the frame is built, you need to cover the run with netting or mesh. Using either of these ensures your chickens can’t escape. There are many different types of netting and mesh materials you can use, such as welded wire or chicken wire. It’s important to note that the mesh you use must be large enough for your chickens to be able to walk through it comfortably. Make sure to leave enough room for the grass to grow so your chickens have something to peck at. If you’re using netting, make sure to attach it to the frame securely so it doesn’t come loose. You can use staples or wire to attach the netting to the frame.

Install the Door

Once your chicken run is fully covered, you can install the door. You can attach a door to the chicken run in a number of ways, including with hinges or latches. The door should be big enough for you to easily enter the run to clean it and feed your chickens. Make sure the door is strong enough to withstand regular use. If you’re building a chicken run inside your property, you’ll need to install a door to allow easy access to the run.

Add Bedding and Perches

Once your door is installed and your run is fully covered, you can add bedding to the floor of the run. Bedding helps to absorb any waste and makes it easier to keep clean. You can use many different materials for bedding, including straw, wood shavings, or sand. Make sure any bedding you use is biodegradable and safe for your chickens. You can also install perches in your chicken run, which your chickens will use for roosting and resting. You can install perches in many different ways, including with tree branches and boards. Make sure any wood you use is treated or non-treated wood that is safe for your chickens.

Place Feeders and Waterers

The final step of building a chicken run is to place feeders and waterers near the door. Your chickens will be able to reach these easily once the door is open. Make sure your feeders and waterers are secure and won’t tip over. You can use a wide range of feeders and waterers for your chickens, including bowls and troughs.

Prepare the Run for Winter

If you live in an area with cold winters, then you’ll need to prepare your chicken run for winter. You can do this by covering your run with a tarp or heavy blanket to protect from snow and ice. You can also add extra bedding to keep your chickens warm and cozy during the winter months. You can also prop up your run to allow the snow to fall away from it and leave it unharmed. If you’re building a chicken run inside your property and live in a cold area, you may need to consider building a smaller run that you can cover to protect your chickens during winter.

Ensure the Chicken Run is Secure

Once your chicken run is fully built, you need to make sure it is secure. You should check the run regularly for holes or weak points. If you find any, you can fill them in with wood or metal. You can also use wire or electrical tape to seal any holes. You can also install netting along the bottom of the run with staples or nails. You can also use wire or chain link fencing to secure the top of your run so pests can’t enter. By ensuring your chicken run is secure, you’ll keep your chickens safe from predators and pests. You’ll also have less work to do when it comes to cleaning the run.

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