chicken run stuff

[9pollock]

I hope I could get some help with this problem as I have tried to find a company that could supply a kit to make a chicken run that is based in Scotland or a company in England that would delivery to our address, but no luck. I am not very handy so I thought that this would be the way to get the run I needed. It now looks like I have no option and will have to make my own so I need any easy ways to make the run.

I need any information on how to make a 6 foot high run as I find the one I have so difficult to clean and access.
The run I want to make is a 12ft by 8 ft secure run and any suggestions of how to go about this would be greatly appreciated. I would want to put a roof on top to keep the girls dry.
I know its a big ask but I would be very grateful for any suggestions.

[MartinRSharpe]

We will need a little more information in order to help. What will the run be on? (e.g. glass, concrete, paving slabs etc)


In all the cases you may find it easier if you are making several small bits that attached together in place to make the larger run.

The run I am building is on concrete so I can offer advice on those, but I would guess its pretty similar for grass but you will need to add a skirt of mesh around the bottom to stop foxes etc getting in.

[9pollock]

Hi
The run will be on slabs a couple will be removed for the girls to dust bath. It would be great if you could give advice as I am really stuck for ideas and what would be required to do the job.

[Mikey]

I made mine to the dimensions of my 8 x 6 greenhouse, the side panels were made in one section the two end were in one piece with the roof assembled in two further pieces. If one should break or get damaged I can replace it. I made it using stained roofing battens and galvanised mesh which I bought online.

This is the thread with some pictures of it assembled.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...-photos-4.html

It was made so that it could be transferred between two beds of the same size to give the ground a bit of rest.

[MartinRSharpe]

Is there anything obvious that you could bolt the sides to or will it be completely free standing?

How permanent are wanting this to be (permanent as in will you want/need to be able to remove)?

Assuming it is free standing I would probably put some posts in at each corner then build the sides between them. Things like 75mm x 2.4m posts can be picked up quite cheaply from the like of B&M (about half the price of B&Q). If you can go into the ground then a good serving of postcrete around the post will hold it in place.

[Verinda]

Do you really need a roof? My hens seem to love the rain, I can't persuade them to shelter no matter how hard I try!

[Mikey]

A roof is useful to keep the vermin out, whether it be little creatures or the big bushy tailed varieties.

[snuffer]

To go back to your original problem of finding a supplier of poultry runs, have you tried 'flyte so fancy'? They supply brilliant runs (with roof if desired) that come in sections that are easily fitted together. They deliver all over Britain.

Unfortunately delivery is a little expensive but when I ordered my stuff from them they where very helpful about packing everything altogether to reduce delivery charges.

Check out their web site they have loads of fantastic chicken keeping stuff.

I promise I have nothing to do with the company. I am just a very happy customer.

[Scarlet]

What about an electric fence? You could just put a porch on your coop for a dry area

[9pollock]

I had a look at the 'flyte so fancy' stuff loved it and would really like it but found it quite a bit over my budget. The stuff they offer has given me ideas of what could be created. So many thanks for the suggestion.

[Ja9]

Hello, think my run was from Flyte so fancy. It's worth making it a decent size if you can and the doorway big enough so that you don't bag your head and can get a wheel barrow in!
Newland Poultry have a website that has good suggestions for keeping the floor mud free. I got cheap wood chips which have composted and turned into a hideous mud bath in all the rain this winter. No doubt a covered roof would help to prevent this. Good luck with your project.