How To Create A Fun and Safe Chicken Run In Your Backyard |
Posted: December 29, 2022 |
Keeping chickens in your backyard is an exciting and rewarding experience. Not only do you get fresh eggs, but chickens are also fun and entertaining pets. However, it is important to ensure your chickens stay safe and secure with a well-built chicken run. A chicken run is an enclosed area, usually made from wire mesh, which provides a safe and secure environment for your chickens to roam, scratch, and explore. With the right materials, tools, and a little bit of know-how, you can easily create a fun and safe chicken run in your backyard. In this guide, you will learn the basics of building a chicken run, including the materials you need, the steps to take, and tips to make the most of your run.
What is a chicken run?A chicken run is an enclosed area, usually made from wire mesh, which provides a safe and secure environment for your chickens to roam, scratch, and explore. You can create a chicken run either at the same time you construct your coop or at a later date. It is important to note that a chicken run should not be confused with a chicken yard. A chicken run is smaller, more enclosed, and offers less freedom compared to a chicken yard. Chickens should be kept in their run during the day, as they are vulnerable to predators. At night, you can open the door of the run and allow your chickens to roam freely in your backyard. Your chickens will scratch and forage for food during this time, and you can collect your eggs from the coop.
Benefits of a chicken runThere are many benefits to keeping chickens in a run, including: - Giving your chickens more room and freedom: if you have fewer than three hens, it is recommended you keep them in a run to protect them from predators. Unless you live in a rural area, it is unlikely that you will be able to keep chickens outdoors without a run. A run gives your chickens much-needed space and a safe, secure place outdoors. - Protecting your chickens from predators: a run can help you protect your hens from predators such as dogs, foxes, or hawks. - Collecting fresh eggs: chickens kept indoors will lay fewer eggs compared to hens allowed to roam in a run. If you keep your chickens indoors, you can expect to collect two to three eggs per week. If you allow your hens to roam in a run, you can expect to collect five to seven eggs per week.
Materials needed for a chicken runWhen it comes to building a chicken run, the most important thing is to use materials that are secure, sturdy, and durable. Your run will outlast your chickens, so it is important to invest in high-quality materials that will last for many years. The best materials for a chicken run include: - Welded wire mesh: welded wire mesh is durable, easy to clean, and has a long lifespan. It is also easy to install and comes in a variety of widths, lengths, and colors. - Chicken wire: chicken wire is easy to bend, can be nailed to wooden posts, and is relatively inexpensive. It is also light, durable, and easy to see through. - Metal posts: metal posts are sturdy, long lasting, and easy to install. Make sure you buy posts made of galvanized steel, as they are more durable and rust-resistant than other types of steel.
Steps for creating a chicken runWhen building a chicken run, it is important to take the right steps and use the right materials to ensure your chickens are safe and secure. Follow these steps to build a chicken run: - Plan your run: before you start building your run, make sure you know the dimensions you want. A typical run is four to six feet wide and six to eight feet long. - Install posts: the posts should be six inches in diameter and installed at least 16 inches into the ground to prevent predators from digging under the fence. - Install a bottom rail: install a bottom rail between the posts to prevent predators from digging underneath the run. Make sure the bottom rail is high enough above the ground to keep out rodents and other pests. - Install the wire mesh: use eight- or nine-gauge welded wire mesh to make the walls of your run. Make sure the mesh is at least two feet high to keep out predators. - Install a top rail: install a top rail between the posts to close off the run. Make sure the rail is high enough to keep out predators and rodents. - Install a gate: install a gate in the run to let your chickens in and out of the run.
Tips for creating a fun and safe chicken runThere are a few things you can do to make your chicken run more fun and safe for your hens: - Let your chickens play: create a space in your chicken run where your chickens can play. You can use wood shavings or straw to make a soft area for your chickens to scratch and play. - Add a perch: a perch near the top of the inside of the run will give your chickens a place to rest. - Add a water source: chickens need fresh water daily, so make sure to add a water source to your run. You can use an upside-down plastic container or a bowl that allows water to drain out and prevents it from becoming stagnant. - Add plants and shrubs: you can use shrubs and plants to decorate your run, giving your chickens a more interesting and fun environment to live in. - Add a nest box: chickens like to feel safe and secure, so make sure you add a nest box to your run. You can buy nest boxes from your local hardware store or make your own.
How to keep your chickens entertained in the chicken runKeeping your chickens entertained in their run is just as important as keeping them safe. To keep your chickens entertained, you can add a few fun items to their run, including: - A perch: a perch near the top of the inside of the run will give your chickens a place to rest. You can also use wooden boards to make a perch. - A swing: a swing is a fun and easy way to keep your chickens entertained in their run. You can buy a premade swing or make your own. - A scratch pad: chickens love scratching, so providing your chickens with a scratch pad will keep them entertained and happy. You can buy scratch pads from your local hardware store or make your own. chicken run
How to make your chicken run more attractiveYou can add items to your chicken run to make it more attractive and interesting for your chickens, such as: - Plants and shrubs: you can add shrubs and plants to decorate your run, giving your chickens a more interesting and fun environment to roam in. Make sure you choose plants that are safe for chickens, such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and hibiscus. - Rocks and logs: adding a few rocks and logs to your run will provide your chickens with a fun and interesting place to scratch and explore. - Toys: you can buy toys for your chickens online or at your local hardware store to keep them entertained and happy. Make sure you choose toys that are safe for chickens.
How to make your chicken run more secureIf your run does not have enough fencing or if you are experiencing a lot of predator issues, you can make your run more secure by adding the following items: - A tall fence: the taller your fence is, the more secure your run will be. You can increase the height of your fence with the addition of a second wire or wooden fence. - Lights: Chicken lights are a great way to keep your chickens safe and secure at night. You can either buy premade chicken lights or make your own. - A scarecrow: a scarecrow is a great way to keep predators away from your run. Make sure you choose a scarecrow that keeps out the predators in your area and is safe for your chickens. This article is provided by https://www.barkukonline.co.uk/poultry-run-wood-chips
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