How to Build a Chicken Run!

Super Easy

[@guygrotke8059]

What you do for the bottom depends on what the ground underneath is. On a slab, do nothing. On soft dirt, put hardware cloth on the bottom. I use hardware cloth for the sides: Around here, the coyotes will come and chew right through poultry net. It should be fine for the owls and hawks on top. You can always add hardware cloth after they come and eat your first batch of chicks. Funny: My wife asked me if we should put the chicken coop inside the fenced backyard or outside. I said: "That depends on if you want the coyotes or the dogs to eat them."

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha

[@devernebreed6486]

Hi Ken. I never use the proper terms for building things. All your own terms work for me.

[@Mark_Nadams]

Hi Ken, If you got critters like trash pandas that roam the property you're gonna want to reinforce the bottom of your run to keep them from breaking your metal poultry netting to get to your chickens. The metal poultry netting will be good enough to keep the flying threats like hawks owls and crows out, but ground threats like rats, raccoons, fisher, and fox will break through the thin wire that makes up metal poultry netting. We use 1/4" hardware cloth for ours. It is rugged enough to stop most everything but bear, strength wise, and fine enough mesh to stop weasels, rats, and even mice from getting into the run. I run the hardware cloth up the side about 3 feet (about as tall as a fox can reach) and then along the ground around tight to the outside perimeter about 2 feet out to stop them from digging their way in. You can bury that perimeter hardware cloth if you want to be able to mow next to the run safely. If you have a bear problem electric hot wire is the way to go.
BTW - Just FYI for your next build, metal poultry netting is stretchable because of the wire weave. A 4 foot wide roll will usually stretch about 6 inches without much trouble, but you loose a little in the length as you stretch its width out. You could have gone with a full 6 foot sides and made it stretch to fit.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@clarencewiles963]

Ken is it time for you to get a garden tractor? Not just to cut the grass but also to pull stuff around? Thanks ☺️

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha that’s what Al Lumnah said

[@KunesRGr8]

Hello Ken, to secure from digging critters, there are two common remedies. One is making a narrow trench around the perimeter of the run 8 to 12 inches deep and vertically burying hardware cloth fastened to the shoe. The second is putting a hardware cloth floor in the run, making it more portable. I enjoy all of your videos and appreciate your sharing of your experience with those of us who aren’t as experienced in building things

[@clarencewiles963]

Double speak at 07:10 but able to follow along. It did sound good, I would leave it. Thanks for your work. 😊
Kind of ready for a update on lumber and building materials if you could share your thoughts 😊

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks yes I’ve been thinking about that.

[@lmars5933]

Watch your head lol nicely done my friend...🌴😎

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha thanks

[@markpieklik8246]

Use hardware cloth. Poultry netting keeps birds in. Predators can rip through poultry netting easily.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@RECKLESS1957]

Skunks, fox, and wessels are bad for digging under a coop, they come out at night and do their handy work , so just do yourself a favor and bury fencing around the coop and run area 6"or so.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@user-ot7sf8ou8d]

Ken add some diganal bracing to the frame to make it sturdy. Love watching you.

[@MYtinyPLace]

i would put wood braces on all the corners of the framing to make it stronger and put 3 ft hard wire cloth on bottom and lay it on the ground around the run too and cover with a little gravel to keep from tripping on it

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@brucealvarez9263]

The wider door will be useful for cleaning out the run. 4 chickens in a run that size will have it down to dirt in no time so you'll need to put down pine shavings to keep the mud down. And after adding enough shavings over time you'll need to get them out. Next build - big compost bin for chicken litter!

[@kenskarpentry]

Nice thanks

[@johncornell3665]

Pretty neat. Thanks Ken

[@kenskarpentry]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobt3374]

Hi Ken. Nice build & everything is starting to take shape good to see your planning
& build. Take care.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 👍

[@cherylbertolini3140]

I would sit the run on cinder blocks and hardware cloth on the ground around the outside of the run so no critters dig their way in:) Have a wonderful weekend.

[@kenskarpentry]

Cool thanks

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

I never use chicken/poultry wire for a chicken run. I use what they call "rat wire" around here. It's 1" x 2" spaces with a heavier gage wire. I've seen chicken/poultry wire get torn open.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@stevecaprossi844]

Good Morning Ken . I use hardware cloth for all sides of my chicken run , especially the bottom . Almost every morning I find several spots where a raccoon tried to dig its way under the run , only to be stopped by the wire underground.

[@dorisharrison9885]

Great job,the next great adventure,looking with anticipation😮😊💜🇱🇷

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks so much

[@fjbwoodworking8099]

Hi Ken, double wire your chicken run because of raccoons. They will kill chickens. Use those 10' timber spokes to fasten to the groung...

[@cherylbertolini3140]

or use Hardware cloth around the bottom

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@dannybradley9346]

Ken, really good chicken run. Please add some diagonals for frame stability. Also, so that other animals will not dig underneath, advise purchaser to: (1) position the chicken run, (2) paint a mark around it on the ground, (3) move the run away, (4) paint a second mark around the first but about 1.5 feet away, (5) all the way around remove the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches and from the outer mark to a width of 2 feet, (6) cut 2-foot-tall galvanized 2"x4" welded-wire to the lengths of the soil-removal zones, (7) lay the welded-wire flat in the soil-removal zones, (8) replace and tamp the soil, (7) install the run where it was, and (8) stake-down the run on its 4 corners. This will keep soil-scratching chickens inside, digging predators outside, and the run from blowing away in high wind.

[@rupe53]

I can just see what's going through the dog's mind. Ken keeps talking but there's nobody else here, so he must be talking to me. Not totally sure, but he must want me to run in circles and jump around, right? After all, he keeps saying "good dog" and patting my head.

[@leonchin3]

Hi Ken, when dragging the run outside if you would have placed the rope beneath the wood, you would have been able to lift the front end up keeping it from digging into the gravel. I've been watching and enjoying your channel for several years now. Thanks for all the builds. Love your easy going manner and gentleness.

[@TheCluckingCoop]

My chicken run has a 800mm galvanised mesh with 5mm holes buried 400mm down and 400mm out around the perimeter.
This does the job for keeping out rodents and foxes.
Looks like your girls are going to be very happy with their new home!

[@publicEnima]

1/4 inch hardware cloth is the way to go. Coyotes, Foxes, Racoons or any other animals that will tear through poultry wire. Remember everything has chicken on their menu. I flare out the hardware cloth another ft on the bottom to prevent predators from digging under. I used screws with stainless steel washer on the post to prevent animals from pulling the hardware cloth out. Staples are no good.

[@thehomesteadpastor1234]

Also. Keep an eye on the poultry wire. Animals could break though. It’s really weak wire. Make sure you shut the coop door every night. Or you could get an automatic coop door.

[@Mad-Duk_Machine_Werkes]

Typically you would dig a trench around the outside edge, 10"-12" deep, staple wire fence or whatever to the sill plate, and angle it outwards at a 45* pitch, critters WILL try and dig under the wall! then you can bury the fence wire with dirt and or gravel-

[@frankbangma577]

hi ken, if i remember it's about 21 weeks old before a chick starts to lay eggs. so you have some time. your pen location might need some 2 inch gravel along the outside bottom a few inches thick by 6 inches wide to deter critters digging under the frame. that is simple to install. 6 inches of buried wire works even better but is more work! another option would be pressure treated decking on edge screwed to the 2x4 after you bury it it is always fun to out smart critters all for those fresh eggs on your breakfast table!!! FB in WY u can do it!!!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@burtzorn4059]

Back in the 70s when I was young and had 75 hens i never had a problem with rodents or anything else. The only chickens I ever lost was to stray dogs two different times.
Sure is definitely different now days. And the only time I shut the hen house was in the winter months.

[@kingocad2003]

I just love the puppy. She is the best helper ever.

[@edwarddown448]

foghorn leghorn would love to make it his home and take care of your chicken's

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha thanks

[@thehomesteadpastor1234]

I would put hardware cloth around the outside so anything doesn’t dig underneath. Once they hit the wire they will give up. Looks great. Good job.

[@austinporco2685]

Really like the down to earth approach taken with all your projects. Kaya (Kiya?) Is cute. Reminds me of our rescue dog who was a corgie chow cross but looked like a taller corgie. Good companion during the builds.

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

Kaia almost cleared the assembly when the piece fell over and startled her! Your canine supervisor is one of the reasons why I enjoy your videos so much.
There are two big advantages to keeping busy in retirement. 1) It keeps us in better physical condition. 2) Spending time in the shop keeps you out of the house and out of your wife’s hair.

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha

[@barriesmith3489]

I see that you have a creatures called a raccoon but do you have other animal predators as it looks like is very rural where you live here in the Uk foxes polecats of all kinds as many of these dig we need to bury the wire or leave about a foot on t[he ground as they try to dig close to the upright wire

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes. Foxes weasels fisher cats bears

[@cryptohioan]

Hahaha yall literally call em pole cats in the UK thats awesome

[@annar6430]

Hi Ken . Have yourself another creative week 😊
We have to contend with Mongoose.. they find a home in every back yard 👍🇯🇲

[@kenskarpentry]

Oh interesting. Thanks

[@schwabrichard9829]

that came out great Ken! Like other have said about a reinforced lower section, could not hurt. You might want to drill a few holes through the bottom plate and drive some rebar anchors in the ground. You know the Big Guy visits occasionally!!!!😉

[@dwaynesanders2095]

Nice

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@donclay3511]

As a retired person, you're missing the requisite naps that are mandatory for all subsequent builds. OSHA you know. :)

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha I’ll get right on that

[@averagejoesmiling456]

Looks real nice! And I think it'll function well. The Kenstead is coming right along!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@richardwhite4277]

@ 21:00 If you have scrap coil stock left around it could be used around the base to keep the vermin and predators out of the coop

[@cbLance1]

Awesome video. To protect our birds we bury hardware cloth about a foot deep into the ground. I angled mine outward a little bit so potential critters would hit it and give up.

[@kenskarpentry]

Great tip! Thanks

[@luisbatista1103]

Great video ....i would of installed stucco wire ...then poultry over it BUT only when the chicken run was placed outside easier to move around ....as for depth ...ya I'm not sure but critters can Burrough underneath not sure how is address that one but excellent project 👍🏼

[@johnmeeks9618]

Ken, you need to make the base such to keep out raccoons and skunks as well as foxes and weasel of various types. Oh yea, keep out rats as well. These will all kill and eat chickens.

[@dmark6699]

If you have animals that dig like Raccoons you need heavy duty wire buried around the parameter of the coop to discourage them.

[@sharonwalker2498]

I put hardware cloth on the bottom of my chicken yard because I have snakes and raccoons and bobcats that try to do underneath. I also reinforce around the bottom edge about a foot with some hardware cloth because the coyotes tried to get in there too.

[@StoneKathryn]

I like the shoe blocks you made for the corners to reinforce the vertical columns. I love the way that all came together Ken! The grunting for effect was a bonus! Ducking in the chicken run! I'm impressed with your chicken run. I free range my chickens but I understand if you have lots of predator pressure you would need a run. What can I say? I like it! That looks great outside! Thanks for this video about your Kenstead!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks!

[@jenboyles5381]

I'm sure you've thought about covering part of the run with a tarp for excessive weather when necessary. From other videos it's definitely a good idea to have at least the wire go down into the ground.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@jerrywhitaker7476]

Chicken wire only keeps chickens in. Most predators can get thru the wire to your chickens make sure to lock them in the coop at night.

[@ClimbToGlory10thMntn]

I couldn’t tell if you were using treated lumber for the base of the run. Concern if using would be leaching of chemicals from standing water and affecting chickens and eggs. If not, might consider double stacked base as rain and chicken mud will soon rot the bottom. Always enjoy your videos. 😊

[@sallyandrysiak2860]

You will need to put hardware cloth laid on the ground around the outside of the run to prevent predatorss from digging underneath the walls

[@_Keto_Diet]

That wont keep the Sasquatch out....! 🤪

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha I’ll put up a sign “no Sasquatches allowed “

[@paulamatheson2216]

Ken, I don’t about snow load in your area. I do know that having a flat roof with chicken wire here doesn’t hold up to snow load. We had 200 cms of snow this February and suffered a lot of damaged. I would differently put hardware cloth under your chicken coop. Weasels are nasty to chickens and prepare for rats. Some barn cats will help.

[@jillyd2807]

The Kenstead is progressing nicely! 👏👏👏

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@chucklindberg6645]

Raccoons are my biggest problems. I’m also including a high $ elect fence around it to keep them out of the chicken wire. They ripped holes thru the fencing.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@warrensmith5472]

Put a predator skirt around the outside of the walls.

[@richardwhite4277]

@ 1:20 one common practice is to flair the wire (chicken/poultry>>>tomato/tamoto) shaped like an L so as to bury the six inches in the ground to discourage predators from digging under and eating chickens or eggs / them damn predators are awful wiley like the coyote LOL

[@pappabob29]

Hey Ken:
Nice simple run !! That's always the first hurtle. Making it "simple" !! What I learned about "securing" the bottom of the run is to use some 2' strips of the hardware cloth or chicken wire. Dig down 3" all around your run walls (outside). Take your 2' strips and bend a little vertical in one of the long sides so you can staple them to the outside edge of the bottom plate (shoe). Now cover them with dirt so they are not visible. What I learned is that animals that are trying to dig under the walls to gain access will do so right at the base of the wall. "Oops" they will run right into the burried wire that extends out 20 inches. I used "stuff" a bit more substantial (wire lath) that I had laying around.

[@hyundia1]

we always put the poultry wire on the bottom too then a weasel or fisher can't dig under and get in not sure what kind of critters you have there but good luck with the chickens

[@rdyardie]

I got a kick out of your dog wanting attention and Ken saying, "Yes you are a big help." 🤣

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha thanks

[@reneebrown2968]

Ken, it really depends on what breed or size of chickens you have. The large breeds need 10sf smaller breeds may only need 7 sf or less. I always assume 10sf per chicken. And 2.5 sf in the coop. Most people only give 2sf per bird but I like to give my girls more room.

[@kenskarpentry]

Nice thanks

[@101egals]

I would place poultry wirer on the group as well to keep critters frim digging in

[@lynnhudson838]

Your "shoe" was what I learned as the "rat sill" or " bottom plate."

[@mommamel7315]

Looking good Ken. The poultry wire is great but keeping hawks etc out but depending on hire going your chicks are they can squeeze through poultry wire, so keep a watch on that. What we do on the bottom is put some of the poultry at the bottom with about a foot laying flat on the ground and cover that with dirt. If anything tries to dig under the run into the wire. Just a suggestion.

[@marthasullivan7521]

Chicken wire is for CHICKENS not preditors! Use hardware cloth at the bottom 2-3 feet of the sides and at least 2 feet out from the coop to keep out raccoons, skunks, etc. THe hawks are fine with chicken wire on top. Good luck with the project! Please go over your project with Lumnah Acres gang for the best advise especially for your area!

[@brucealvarez9263]

Given Al has never made a run for his chickens I don't know that he would have a lot of advice for this project.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dougburke50273wind]

The wire needs to go down into the ground all around about 10 to 12 inches as coyotes can't dig under the run.

[@brotherbruce]

I have spent this week building a chicken house using platform construction on cinder blocks. I used repurposed steel roofing for walls and roof. The house looks like Jospeh's coat of many colors. Today was to be the day to start the run. It was so nice to see your video for fresh ideas. I have a big roll of repurposed chain link fence for the walls of the run but your idea for poultry wire over the top seemed like a good idea. Thank you.

[@kenskarpentry]

Cool thanks

[@weekendhack.whatsnext]

I ended up buying some wire fencing and bending it at 90 degree with the majority laying flat on the ground and the bend coming up the side of the run perimeter. I staked it down using landscape fabric staples and once the grass started growing through it it is not going anywhere. It has kept animals from burrowing under for a few years now.

[@kenskarpentry]

Nice

[@rudyfisher7660]

Just put a bunch of heavy gravel around the outside edge and you won't have any problems

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@richardroyles1423]

Nice looking chicken run. God bless.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 👍

[@toddpacheco4748]

Ken,with all the 🥚 gathering and vegetable 🥕 growing in the greenhouse you’ll have to take a break on the front porch of the playhouse 😮😊❤

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha right

[@craigmcknight1279]

You can make the straight cut on the miter saw by setting the horizontal stop on that saw, just a thought that might help in the future

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@robertdknight]

"my roof leaks' ... cracked me up 🤣🤣🤣

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha

[@richardwhite4277]

I believe you could save a bunch of material with a Kreg Jig ( or a cheap Harbor Freight knock off ) as you are screwing the frame together anyway ( sans the nails ) Al has the expensive table model what a luxury !

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I actually just got one

[@douglaskuhn3781]

I would add some 3/4" diagonal bracing.

[@alhorton9147]

Hey Ken, you really opened up a can of worms, I built a chicken coop last year, painted it like the KFC. I joined a few facebook groups about raising Chickens. They really take it seriously, and very passionate. I have 11 chickens, named them all and all have different personalities. Your coop and run are very nice. No matter how much you beef it up, a bear or coyote will get in there, or snake. Good luck and take care

[@kenskarpentry]

I sure did. Thanks

[@user-fu6pg8ei4v]

I do enjoy your humor. It makes the video easier to watch. Still praying for that boy’s complete healing

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@kimvanvallis8961]

It will have to be reinforced. I found a coyote on top chewing and the wire. It was a experience to say the least. One I've never seen one before. But my birds were taken by a pack of hunting dogs that had gotten away from their owners and they were wearing tracking collars. So I had just let nature take it course. You will have to lay wire under ur run to critters dug too 😉

[@blackfoxcontractingltd3120]

Cant wait to see green grass and those chickens outside at the Kenstead!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks me too

[@ledesclos5321]

Ken you are such a treasure. Thank you for all.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@sidmorgan4980]

My gosh, I made a pen with six ft t post, and chicken wire for a whole lot cheaper. That is the difference between country living and city. Nothing wrong with yours. I just was saying there is something cheaper with the same result

[@billgreen6217]

Hi ken great job love watching from here in England. What we do here with our mesh is paint it black so it goes invisible.just make sure its ok for chickens if you do it.keep them coming please 🎉

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@elainedegoede6276]

Love all the chicken builds. Reminds me how I used to love helping my dad building his pigeon house. ❤

[@kenskarpentry]

Oh cool. Thanks for watching

[@howardemery1443]

i would put lathe strips on all of that wire just for good measure better safe than chic less

[@BillieWebb-oi5qj]

If you have skunks you need rabbit wire about two feet from the bottom

[@BillieWebb-oi5qj]

Put rabbit wire under that goes to both sides of the building so nothing can dig under.

[@briandesanctis4956]

U need to dig down a foot all the way around and bury hardware cloth also use hardware cloth to wrap the coop with raccoons will rip through that chicken wire

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes

[@randyrejer4219]

My wife says to me “ Stop that grunting.” Lol

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha

[@mommamel7315]

Oh and one other observations . Chickens need to be able to scratch so should be on grass or dirt :)

[@johnathonnichols]

With warm weather approaching have you given any thought to a small lawn mower shed? Maybe something like a budget minded 3x6 lean to with fence picket siding for a push mower and something bigger for a riding mower.

[@kenskarpentry]

Cool thanks

[@JeffK1962]

I have heard a buried underground size should be around 1 foot.

[@tomzweifel7060]

Hello Ken , I have question why weren't you using clamps for extra hands. 😅

[@kenskarpentry]

Right I should have

[@elizabethchetwood1916]

Hardware cloth, not chicken wire! Most predators can chew right through chicken wire. Take the 3ft roll hardware cloth and run it along the bottom of the coop on the outside. Shape it like an “L” with 1ft running up the outside of the walls, and 2ft running along the ground. Bury the hardware cloth on the ground, and cover that area with a good amount of gravel. You want to make digging unpleasant for predators and they give up!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@josefreck1103]

Einfach super Arbeit 👋👏🏻🙋‍♂️🙂🤗

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@Americanbros-nu8rt]

Useful video

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks a lot

[@VMc828]

❤looks good🙏🙂

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@donaldross1077]

Clearly Kia is trying to tell you that this is all wrong. Turn the chickens loose and she will run them! Enjoyed video, 'PERFECT'.

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha

[@gloriasmith5764]

I was waiting to see the run attaced to the coop. 😢 Please do an update on the complete project!

[@kenskarpentry]

Coming soon

[@kathycrook1913]

Did you put wire on bottom for floor? Just wondering.

[@kenskarpentry]

No

[@michaelbrausch8874]

How about putting the poultry wire on the bottom too?

[@rdyardie]

I had my staples removed on Monday morning from my incision made by knee replacement surgery. Some of the staples required me to breathe in through my nostrils and breathe out through my lips. I am not a fast thinker but I should have said to Carly, the case manager, hey, "I am only having staples removed. . . . I am not having a baby." 😂

[@kenskarpentry]

Ouch! I hope you heal up quickly

[@Okanagan_modeler]

My wife wants to know how you can concentrate with your dog jumping on you hahaha.

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha