Easiest Chicken Run Ever? Unsponsored 2 Year Review | Backyard Chickens Predator Protection for Hens

[@OakAbode]

This is our chicken run: amzn.to/3Ld6LfA But I linked a few more options in the description for you, as well!

[@debbiegoodin9822]

We bought this exact run a few months ago. Super easy to put together, we had a few people all helping. Also, we didn't want ours to be moveable, it backs up to our converted shed to chicken coop, cut out a chicken door and framed around with wood and secured the netting underneath the wood framing where we cut the netting for the door. We trenched around the entire outer footprint of the run and poured quickcrete in the trench, when it "set" after a week with rain which helped out, we then used concrete screws at each leg and secured it down, then we put rocks down all the way around the run. It cannot be moved and a predator would have to dig through the rocks and underneath the concrete, we are hoping we did a good job at making it a fortress. Also, our tarp we put extra zip ties that are metal through all the holes, plus it is against the coop wall which offers some protection from winds. Also, you can add a reinforcement around the netting, we haven't done that yet. Bottom line, we felt it was a GREAT value and so much easier than trying to "build" something, instead we were able to make modifications to it and it was an easy to put together framework. We might get another one in the future to set beside it to double our chickens space, cutting a hole where they join together and reinforcing. I wish I could free range, but we are in a spread out neighborhood and our neighbors would probably not like chickens to come roaming into their yards. Awesome Value For US!!!

[@robindowning5560]

I started with the smaller version 4 yrs ago. I’m adding a larger version now. Hardware cloth around the outside bottom 3 feet has taken care of ground predators, mostly. I did have to outline outside with cinder blocks because of digging predators. I replaced the tarp twice. This year I tried billboard vinyl. It is supposed to last about 6 years. This year I’m having to replace the original zip ties as they are rotten from exposure so I got stainless steel cable ties to tie on the wire. Love mine and recommend it to others. Best chicken run I’ve used in my 70 years of raising chickens.

[@ThesmartestTem]

The best chicken run we've found is making a tunnel out of cattle panels and covering in hardware cloth. Our six hens have about 84 sq feet of run, fully predator proof, and it only cost probably $250. It's not mobile, but when we move in a few years, it can be taken down and come with us.

[@christian5707]

This is exactly the other option we were contemplating .

[@rzlmlchm0975]

I plan to try this method in the future. I made a Suscovich style chicken tractor, and I love it, but I'm considering the cattle panel method for a cheaper, easier-to-assemble style.

[@shanebauer9861]

I have 5 chicks,is that enough room for ur 6's and how many panels did u get?

[@teresacoffman5529]

We invested in a mesh tarp from Harbor Freight and zip tied it over the entire run. Works great!

[@mannymartinez3410]

I've used a similar run like this for a year and have a coyote predator problem where I live. I put down a cinderblock on the outside all four corners and tied it to the run for weight. Also I laid large rocks (Which I have in abundance) all around the outside frame, and that does work. I have camera footage of coyotes coming up to the run, walking around it multiple times looking for an opening to dig and even to climb over, but they give up and leave. Also the wire is stronger than it looks. It isn't hardware cloth, but it isn't chicken wire either. It thin metal line wrapped in a rubber like material that makes it more durable. You won't be able to break it without some sort of tool. It works for hawks too.

[@riahsrabbitry9268]

Thank you I’m looking to buy this but for my chickens but my garden! Something to make it easy to put shade cloth over, keep the birds out and I’m hoping I can also wrap this in greenhouse tarp for growing in winter!

[@TheErrantLeaf]

Thats a great idea

[@TheErrantLeaf]

I love multi use

[@amyjohnson9240]

I have 2 of these hooked together. I like them so far, and instead of putting a door on each end, we put a door on the inside in case someone has to be separated. It is convenient and also big for our girls.

[@maggiefrancis4194]

We are using the same for our run. 🙌🏻👍🏼 We used t-posts to loosely secure our run in place. The posts fit up inside our metal poles. We also bought plastic deer fencing secured with zip ties to cover…also running a roll of hardware cloth around the bottom.

[@judymiller323]

This looks great for me. Thanks for the review ~ I love that the frame goes together with those 'telescoping' pieces; i'm so over trying to wrestle with tools for 'partial assembly required'. I'm a 71 yr old FL chicken raiser and this looks great !

[@dianekulback2430]

Just put this same run together last week. Watched an assembly video which made it super easy to put together. We staked ours down . Added our Omlet coop inside and chickens couldn't be happier. This run is a little over $500 and well worth it. Your videos are great! Very informative and down to earth!

[@alltiallo]

You dont happen to have the link to the video?

[@debbiecryan4882]

We actually have this run and the coop is inside of it. I've made a "chicken block" out of aluminum faced polystyrene to "block" the gap on the entranceway and we also have tarps over the top to give them a break from rain. Once is clear so they still can get sun, one is the gray that the run came with. We've also buried chicken wire along the perimeter outside to help with digging into the run. We've staked down the run as well. All in all I agree and we're safe from most ground predators as our yard is fenced in and we have a large dog. This run does do a good job from air predators which we have a bunch of between hawks and eagles in our area. thanks for the video! We enjoy watching your channel.

[@coldhaven1233]

I have this exact model, and I made some inexpensive modifications that might help guard it against predators for those who want this run to be more permanent: 1) It is raised slightly off the ground, but each post ends in a piece of metal that lays flat against the ground. That piece of metal is round and has two holes for you to hammer yard stakes/staples into the ground. If you do this at each post, it will keep it firmly on the ground. We've had wind-speeds above 30 mph, with tarps secured on top, and it doesn't budge. 2) Purchase about 30 cinder blocks and place them on the outer perimeter of the run. This will discourage digging as the cinder block will fall into any hole that is dug. Couple this with hardware cloth and you've got good protection from the outside. 3) One that I am considering doing is purchasing more chicken wire to double up on what was provided for extra security. I've had this run for just under a year and it has a water barrel and a coop inside. It has provided excellent protection for as long as I've had it.

[@jennesteed]

I just bought this. It was easy to setup. Trying to figure out what kind of coop to put inside. I have a lot of chickens.

[@kennethodo4428]

I bought the larger version 10x20. After estimating the materials to build a 10x20 run, I found this to be a very economical alternative. I installed the chicken wire as directed and added hardware cloth 3 feet up around the sides. I installed metal flashing around the frame of the door because I felt the the gap was too large. I will be burying 24" of hardware cloth to prevent digging. Not really fond of the "shade" tarp, thinking about modifying with metal roof panels. My 8 week old chicks are moving out there today and I hope I did what I could to keep them safe.

[@juliehaggerty2422]

Us too

[@bluefroggy99]

This was perfect timing. We were just looking at these yesterday. Thanks for the honest, informative review. ☺️

[@TheCVMC]

My husband and I bought one of these coops and were very disappointed. The zip ties that were provided were small and snapped easily, and the screws stripped for almost everything. I'm glad to see you had better much than we did with it but we won't buy it again.

[@Cchi4321]

We had purchased one of these and it works great. We did adapt it for our needs. We put on a metal roof. We used hardware cloth on the sides as well as extended a 3 foot apron all around the run instead of the chicken wire. We built a coop for the chickens to sleep in that has a automatic chicken door that leads into the run.

[@christian5707]

So glad I saw this. We were thinking of using the same structure as a run. Currently we are free ranging and the girls are everywhere which means poop is everywhere and also means my garden has been annihilated 😂 we have been going back and forth on what’s the best option… and of course cost is a factor.

[@leviadams6230]

I have this same run and I pretty much completely agree. The netting is an absolute joke if you have large predators, but it's keeps the hawks off. WE do have a fox and a racoon so we put hardware cloth along the bottom and sometime we will eventually put in stronger chicken wire, but it's doing the job. It is pretty big, the frame is super light and relatively sturdy (for a 1/2 aluminum tube), all in all, not a bad little run

[@Thingys-Jill]

My run is similar. It's a tubular hoop greenhouse I got for $129. I bought 4' x 100' 1/2" black hardware cloth (on Amazon for $169) and covered the entire hoop house run. We have predators (hawks, fox, raccoons, etc.). Mine had some structural diagonal pieces but did not have a door, so I fashioned a door (could only be 5' tall). It is light weight, but I put "J" rebar around the bottom to hold it down, which could be removed in order to move it (for me, probably never). Next to the door I kept a 2' x 2' opening that I put a wood board over so that I can eventually add a chicken tunnel. This run is connected to my coop by a tall tunnel with an automatic door. The coop itself is raised so that the chickens have additional area that is shaded. I plan to cover the top of the run in the next few weeks. Edited to add that the total run so far has cost about $400, including extra support bars from conduit, corner pieces, rebar, etc. In my old house I used wood and that run was 8' x 10' and cost about $1000. I like my tubular one better!

[@rzlmlchm0975]

We bought and have used the larger version of this run for the past year. We made it predator proof by burying chicken wire along the edges (to discourage burrowing under) and by securing the chicken wire and/or hardware cloth better. We have had some nightly predator attempts (likely skunks and raccoons), but they haven't been able to get in. We do lock the chickens in at night inside an even more secure coop within the run though. The downsides are the big gaps in the door as well as the tarp (ours came with 2 because of the size of the run). The gaps are too big. We secure boards to close off the gaps. The tarps didn't even last 1 season before they fell apart on the wind. So we just need to get better tarps for shade.

[@juliehaggerty2422]

Howdy! I have been following you and one other chicken blogger for about a year and a half because you are simple info, to the point and honest about "not knowing everything" We purchased this run for all reasons you pointed out. Our plan is to modify and strengthen. We live in NE, so very cold and snowy in winter. This is my first time trying to keep chickens. We got 3 Orpingtons and 3 Black Australaurp chicks. So far so good! Thanks for all the info. Keep posting! Julie from NH

[@ilovedinosaurs3771]

In case this helps we bought this run for our flock and we love it we do have some predictor problems so all we did was add some hardware cloth to the bottom dragging it out about a foot and a half and it’s been great!! :) We also have had the metal warp a bit from how much heavy snow we have but it’s not too much of a problem! 💛

[@stevenbrogdon3074]

Ours did not last a year. Snow rain and wind for two weeks. It collapsed from the Sierra Cement snow that fell followed by a rain.

[@meliathrives]

Thanks for your chicken help! I've been watching for the past 2 years. I agree with your review. We've had the chicken run #2 option you linked for 2 years as well. One difference is that my husband spent more than a few hours putting the netting on and it is still in great shape. He pulled it pretty tight and it looks almost the same as when we put it together. We also have it in more of a permanent position, although we've moved it a few times pretty easily. There are places to put stakes down in the frame to make it more stable. The tarp that came with it has been replaced because it was definitely a terrible tarp to begin with.

[@louarminio]

Thanks for showing us how your run has held up (or not) over the past couple of years! I just set up the larger version of this run in my backyard. The frame is light but seems adequate since all it has to support is the chicken wire netting. The zip ties that come with the run are okay for initial setup but I will be supplementing that by weaving wire around the poles to help the chicken wire stay on. Whenever the chicken wire wears out I’ll just replace it with something better. I’m in an urban area and don’t have a problem with larger predators but we will be staking down some hardware cloth to deter predators from digging into the run.

[@darleneoliver7318]

I use dog kennels I got from tractor supply. Mine are connected together. I surrounded then with sheep goat welded wire panels. next I wrapped 6 ft tall chicken wire around it then surrounded that with final layer of 330 x 48 welded wire. It makes it very sturdy against ground preditors. I am working on applying large animal dig guards to prevent chickens from digging out and preditors digging in. I have netting over top for areal preditors. I would later like to replace netting with goat sheep panels which have 4 inch holes for protection climbing and aerial preditors. Mine is meant to be stationary and has divisions of different runs to allow grades to regrow as they use different kennel each week. I think I bought 4 10x10x6 kennels attached them to chicken barn ended up with 3 runs each with gate measuring 10x20x6. Its work well for small amount of chickens I have

[@wendyjennings1502]

Zip ties will rub and rip the tarp within a season. Turn the smooth part of the zip ties facing outside of the poles to avoid the rubbing against the tarp from the wind. We use this exact frame and added 2 back wheels to move rabbits. Great fertilizer source and soil enriching.

[@nicoladelle]

We have the 6x9 and 6x12 versions of these runs and really like them. We connected the two runs with a little tunnel. So far, they've held up very well and have kept out all the neighborhood predators.

[@carens7344]

I just started putting together this exact run yesterday. I did buy stuff to upgrade it from the start. So hopefully mine will last longer.

[@joyceduesel7966]

3 months later we still are putting ours up. Mostly the weather and our age. It is a great product. Just using the netting for the top.

[@lilolmecj]

The wood frame will always be too heavy to be very mobile. Thanks for the review,I need something different than what I have.

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

I saw this on Amazon a few weeks ago. I was thinking about getting one to raise quail in. I would have to use smaller wire and figure out how to make the door escape proof though. But I think I could figure it out.

[@justjenna22]

Thank you for this!!! I'm looking at the 6x9 one of these to add on to my current run. I figured it would need hardware cloth at least around the bottom, new latches, and probably a new tarp over head.

[@naomi2646]

Thank you, we're using our green house frame to add more run. Great videos, I appreciate your help.

[@13AHP]

We missed you girl! I’ve was so exited when I saw this video❤

[@zach9292]

80% shade cloth is good for wind, but will let rain through

[@johnsturtevant9351]

I have one - I used T-Posts all around due to wind issues and I used metal wire ties, and you have to buy more netting there is not enough in the kit. The frame is nice and the T-Post / Wire frame I build keeps the main frame in place and it survived 53 mph winds too. But it takes time to get it up right!!! But yes wear and tear is a consideration in terms of upkeep.

[@jessicakivett7838]

I put a regular blue tarp over my chicken run and I just expect to replace it once per year. I'm not surprised that your shade canopy is shredded. Seems like a good frame! I can see why you like it.

[@rebeccawatson9284]

Thanks for the honest review! I have been wondering about this run. I did come to the conclusion that all those things would happen. I thought that a thicker tarp on top and chicken wire with garden stakes on the bottom could reinforce it well for not too much more money.

[@GuardianAngel..]

Very informative video Young Lady, what are the measurements of this run if You don’t mind Me asking?

[@kjones5879]

Just an FYI. I saw another YTuber who showed how to put the thing together and he, for his chickens added some side scrap lumber for his purpose. But, when I saw that, I was more convinced for my purpose to use to cover my raised bed which moose get into. Its seems that scrap lumber would also stiffen the whole thing which is what I would need. He used his for chickens; like you, so just sharing. Thanks for the feedback. It's always nice to know how it works out later instead of from day 1.

[@simonjones7785]

I had foxes at my last house Im a very good shot at 80 meters so it meant spending a bit of time sat in my rocking chair with my rifel and scope ( including night vision the foxes eventually figured that it was a bad idea to get in close to the run

[@huntzz21]

I really enjoy the content you share and find it very informative. My wife and I live a very similar life-style as you guys so it's nice to see how you deal with the same things we do.

[@HippieHomesteader]

I have the 19.5 foot version of this run. I attached it to our coop, so it is not mobile although it is secure. We are going to put actual chicken wire on top on the netting that came with it. and secure it to the ground to keep animals from digging. Hopefully that works.

[@karahernandez2089]

Thank you for the helpful, insightful review!

[@macmac5523]

I was just thinking of getting one of those. Thanks for the info!

[@jeffhargrove8791]

First of all, I love your channel. I love the knowledge that you give others. I’m not sure where to post a question I have five older chickens that I inherited and 2 10 week old Easter Eggers, they all free range in the backyard without any problems one on e aulstralop seems to pick on them just a little bit, but when it gets dusk, all the chickens go into the coop and they come to the door to be put back in the box to come inside thinking that it’s time for them to spend the night in the coop, but I’m afraid they’ll get picked on, there’s not enough room for a cage in side how do I get them used to going into the coop? And are they hey too young for that.

[@she_greene]

What type of coop do you guys have with the run?

[@sophiescrew1]

Question for you, Could you go around introducing all of your chickens and the breeds?

[@Psalm2710_]

I just got mine in the mail a few days ago and now here is this video! 😄 Would this be okay to do a deep litter method bc I can't really move my chickens much. I planned on putting a solid border around it and their coop inside.

[@thedampestcrib6004]

Imma build back end into a coop for winter

[@richardmatthys7133]

Could you do a video on electronic fencing. All your videos are great.

[@SonniesGardenPA]

Thanks for sharing, it looks sturdy

[@fraanckgriffin2599]

Is this easy to pick up and move once it is assembled?

[@jimmyslim1628]

We have one slightly smaller, 9.5x9.5 feet. We really like ours.

[@jenniferminet3351]

How does this hold up in windy weather? We can get some pretty strong wind and snow in our area.

[@haleysallee6776]

Question...where do you get your americanas with tuffs and beards? Can't find them any where. All clean faced.

[@nicholasmiszuk]

Do you get much wind where you're at? I imagine where we are with the winds the shade cloth would never last due to the wind and anything that would last would just cause the thing to blow around with it being so light. With that being said, do you stake it down or anything? How's the new property coming? Did you guys move to the new house yet?

[@heidijusula6187]

Is there any chance you would want to take in a four week old Easter egger with a beak deformity? My husband and I live in Wisconsin and have never had chicks before. We don’t know how to help her.

[@GraceFoudy-si4xb]

Hello this doesn’t really relate to this video but could you make a video about how to grieve the loss of a baby chick? I recently got baby chicks and one wasn’t doing very well. She ended up dieing last night from a nutrient deficiency. Even though I’ve only had them for 2 weeks I’ve got really attached to them and when Phee died I felt really bad. I’m terrible at grieving and would love to know how to grieve a pet chicken. Thank you so much for everything! I wouldn’t have gotton chickens or even cared for them correctly without your help.

[@sarahtummett6553]

Did you have any issues with predators getting stuck in the netting or is it pretty visible?

[@8463drew]

Question: I free-range my chickens but I have a fire ant problem. How do I take care of the ants without poisoning our chickens? Do you have a video on this?

[@omadeitz3340]

Ours fell or collapsed do yo snow load. We had to relocate our chickens mid winter

[@fannywannberg1147]

So after watching a bunch of your videos this past week or two my big Q is do you use any bugreppellant, bugkiller, spray, powder, drops ect. In your house, on your land or on the birds them self? I just got my first chicks yesterday. And I do have ant problem way too close to my house, I would use some powder on them had I not been planing to have freeranging chickens in a couple of weeks. (I have had dogs, horses and pigs before but chickens are smaller so probobly more sensitive?)

[@yanjijay6752]

Metal is always best though what's the name of that netting and is it big , chicken soup or goes 😂🤣 & how does the roof of the coop hold up.

[@aubanytombre52]

You should make a video on an animal update. Like he alpacas and your horse and the donkeys and chickens. Or any other animals 😊

[@mojoflyingsolo639]

You could turn it into a greenhouse.

[@367scotty]

ordered thankyou

[@jennydiver100]

First timer here. We will be free ranging and I'm worried about the transition period. Do I need a run to attach to the coop until they are full grown?

[@dougroberts3643]

We started off making our girls spend the first two days in the coop so they knew where their home was. I had some 2 foot tall chicken wire and built them a small run around the coop. I made them spend two weeks in there. Then I took it down, and they went wherever they wanted and have always returned home every evening.

[@babaralam5634]

Very nice, following up you

[@yanjijay6752]

Those alpacas 🥰

[@aubanytombre52]

You are moving ? 😮

[@rday19835228]

ONLY IF NO SNOW...

[@earthangel_911]

I just put this in my cart late last night, this is right on time. Your chicken is a jerk! 😂 OMG I want alpacas 😍... Thank you for this video

[@faiz1876]

My chickens don't eat enough feed and they don't gain weight as well what do I do?

[@grawr3534]

Are they baby chicks? If so try adding a little water to their food, and feed them by hand. You don't want the food soaked. If they are bigger (full-grown chickens) have multiple feeding spots.

[@jdog34436]

I have it and its horrible. Raccoon got throough the chicken wire the FIRST night. All the birds made out ok. The metal frame is flimsy and not even close to being plumb and straight. Its is as cheap as it costs. Bought a more expensive one from Tractor supply and its bullet proof.

[@randallcuster5283]

Put chicken wire under the dirt around the edges.

[@chrisferretti7020]

Photobombed by cute alpacas.

[@NFLEagles1]

I would guess you could pour sand in the hollow structure to provide some weight

[@WestTennessee]

👍🏻😎

[@faiz1876]

5th view

[@mommybear8672]

We had the exact same run, "had" is the key word. We are over from you in the UP of Michigan and we had a wet heavy snow completely collapse the whole thing the first winter, frame & all. 😔🫤 Probably not a great option for places that get significant snow fall but if not for that, it would work.