“I’m planning to start keeping chickens in my backyard, but I’m not sure how to set up a proper chicken run. Can you give me some detailed advice on how to create a safe and comfortable space for my future flock? I want to make sure I’m doing everything right before I bring the chickens home.” Thanks a bunch, Sandra, Melbourne, Australia.
How to Set Up a Chicken Run: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey Sandra! It’s great to hear you’re venturing into the world of backyard chickens. Setting up a proper chicken run is crucial for the health and happiness of your future flock, so you’re on the right track by doing your research first. Let’s go through everything you need to know to create a safe and comfortable chicken run in your Melbourne backyard.
Understanding the Importance of a Chicken Run
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of setting up a chicken run, it’s important to understand why it’s so essential. A chicken run provides your birds with a safe outdoor space to scratch, peck, and engage in natural behaviors. It protects them from predators while allowing them to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. A well-designed run can also help prevent your chickens from damaging your garden or landscaping.
Choosing the Right Location
The first step in setting up your chicken run is selecting the perfect spot. Here are some factors to consider:
- Sunlight: Choose a location that receives partial shade throughout the day. While chickens enjoy sunbathing, they also need protection from intense heat, especially during Melbourne’s warm summers.
- Drainage: Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent muddy conditions after rain.
- Proximity to the coop: The run should be easily accessible from the chicken coop.
- Protection from wind: If possible, position the run where it’s somewhat sheltered from strong winds.
- Convenience: Place the run where it’s easy for you to access for cleaning and maintenance.
Determining the Size of Your Chicken Run
The size of your chicken run depends on how many chickens you plan to keep, Sandra. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 square feet (about 1 square meter) per chicken in the run. So, if you’re planning to keep four chickens, aim for a run that’s at least 40 square feet (about 3.7 square meters). Remember, more space is always better – your chickens will be happier with room to roam.
Fencing Materials and Construction
Choosing the right fencing material is crucial for keeping your chickens safe. Here are some options:
- Chicken wire: Affordable and easy to work with, but may not be strong enough to deter determined predators.
- Hardware cloth: More expensive but much sturdier. Recommended for areas with high predator pressure.
- Welded wire: A good middle ground between chicken wire and hardware cloth in terms of strength and cost.
When constructing your fence:
- Use sturdy posts (wood or metal) set at least 2 feet (60 cm) into the ground.
- Space posts no more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) apart.
- Make the fence at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall to prevent flying predators from entering.
- Bury the fencing material at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep to prevent digging predators.
- Consider adding an apron of wire extending outward from the base of the fence for extra protection.
Covering the Run
Sandra, covering your chicken run is an important step to protect your flock from aerial predators and to keep your chickens from flying out. Here are some covering options:
- Chicken wire or hardware cloth: Provides protection while allowing sunlight through.
- Solid roofing: Offers better protection from the elements but reduces sunlight.
- Shade cloth: A good compromise, providing some protection and shade while allowing some light through.
If you choose not to fully cover the run, make sure to clip your chickens’ wings regularly to prevent them from flying out.
Flooring Options
The flooring of your chicken run is another important consideration. Here are some options:
- Natural ground: Allows chickens to scratch and peck naturally, but can become muddy and is less secure against predators.
- Concrete: Easy to clean and predator-proof, but can be hard on chickens’ feet and doesn’t allow for natural scratching behavior.
- Gravel or sand: Provides good drainage and is easy to clean, but may need to be replaced periodically.
- Wood chips or straw: Comfortable for chickens and allows for scratching, but needs frequent replacement.
A combination of these options often works well. For example, you could use concrete near the coop entrance for easy cleaning, with the rest of the run covered in wood chips or left as natural ground.
Adding Enrichment to Your Chicken Run
To keep your chickens happy and healthy, it’s important to provide enrichment in their run. Here are some ideas:
- Dust bath area: Fill a shallow container with a mixture of sand, wood ash, and diatomaceous earth for your chickens to bathe in.
- Perches: Install some branches or wooden beams at various heights for roosting.
- Hiding spots: Place some large pipes or small structures for chickens to explore and hide in.
- Hanging treats: Suspend vegetables or treat balls for your chickens to peck at.
- Foraging opportunities: Scatter treats or grains in straw or wood chips to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your chicken run safe and hygienic. Here’s what you should do:
- Daily: Remove any droppings, refill water containers, and check for signs of pests or predators.
- Weekly: Deep clean water containers, replace bedding if used, and do a thorough check of the run’s structure.
- Monthly: Inspect and repair fencing as needed, clean and disinfect perches and other enrichment items.
- Seasonally: Replace flooring material if using wood chips or straw, and do a comprehensive check of the entire structure.
Predator-Proofing Your Run
Sandra, predator-proofing is crucial in Melbourne, where you might encounter foxes, snakes, and birds of prey. In addition to the sturdy fencing and buried wire we discussed earlier, consider these additional measures:
- Install motion-activated lights around the run to deter nocturnal predators.
- Use predator-proof latches on all doors and gates.
- Consider electric fencing as an additional deterrent for persistent predators.
- Keep the area around the run clear of tall grass or debris that could provide cover for predators.
Legal Considerations
Before you start building, Sandra, make sure to check Melbourne’s local regulations regarding keeping backyard chickens. Some areas have restrictions on the number of chickens you can keep or require permits for chicken coops and runs. It’s always better to be informed and compliant from the start.
Integrating the Run with Your Garden
If you’re a gardener, you might want to consider how your chicken run can benefit your garden:
- Create a composting area within the run for chicken manure and kitchen scraps.
- Design a “chicken tractor” – a mobile run that can be moved around your garden to fertilize and till different areas.
- Plant chicken-friendly herbs and plants around the perimeter of the run for your chickens to nibble on.
Final Thoughts…
Sandra, setting up a chicken run might seem like a big task, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. A well-designed run will keep your chickens safe, healthy, and happy, which in turn will reward you with fresh eggs and endless entertainment. Remember, the key elements are safety, space, and enrichment. Start with these basics, and you can always add more features as you get to know your flock’s preferences.
Thanks for reaching out with your question. It’s great to see someone in Melbourne taking the time to set things up right from the start. Good luck with your new chicken adventure, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions as you get your run set up. Happy chicken keeping!
