Your chickens not only need shelter from the elements, they also need protection from predators such as foxes, racoons, birds etc. This there fore means that after you have built your diy chicken coop and extended it with the diy chicken run, your job is not yet done. There is one more thing left to do and that involves figuring out how to predator proof your chicken run.
Otherwise, what will happen is once you let the chickens free range in the run during the day, you may find a few missing by the time you have to shut the coop doors at night. Thankfully, there is an easy way to protect them from the predators. It may cost you quite a bit initially, but I personally feel like it be worth it in the long term. Also, only basic diy skills are required to set this up.
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Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 2x4s lumber
- 2x2s lumber
- 1X2s lumber
- aviary netting
- wood screws & nails
- circular saw
- handheld drill
- tape measure
- marker
- zip ties
- hardware cloth
- hammer (optional)
- hacksaw (optional)
The aviary netting is going to need some major support, especially in the middle of the run. For this you will need to construct a couple of A frames using the 2x2s. The recommended angle for stability purposes is about 30 degrees. Also cut a small notch at the top of each one, this will allow you to run more 2x4s between each A frame to provide extra support.
The 2x2s are attached a few feet off the ground on the legs of the A frames, and they serve two purposes. First they provide stability for the whole structure and secondly act as additional roosts for the chickens. With the frame constructed, the next step would be fixing the aviary netting in place up and over the chicken run. This job probably requires more than one person.
You can get full step by step instructions on the My Pet Chicken blog, here…
How To Make Your
Chicken Run Predator
Proof – Instructions
You can watch the video below on Predator proof the chicken coop…
You can watch the video below on Predator proofing a chicken coop…
You can watch the video below on How to Install a Predator Apron Around a Chicken Coop…
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