[gabbo]

Right then having read your replies regarding area required for happy chooks ive decided to build a run and buy a coop.

I now have a couple of questions:

Do I need specially treated wood for the run?

Is it best to extend the wire below ground level (it wont be moved) to help deter Basil Brush and his friends?

What is the best thickness of wood?

thanks in advance

[22fox]

1, As it rains in the country yes wood needs to be treated

2, yes u can extend below ground but electric fence is best (thats what i find)

3, best thickness? If your starting out and you got some pennies behinf you buy a coop and run combo

[gabbo]

1, As it rains in the country yes wood needs to be treated

2, yes u can extend below ground but electric fence is best (thats what i find)

3, best thickness? If your starting out and you got some pennies behinf you buy a coop and run combo

thanks for the response however...

I did ask if it's specially treated

and I did say that I can't find one that suits my size

[sam on lewis]

hey up,

I don't use anything like creosote on my chicken run wood, I also don't bury the chicken wire, but then we don't have any foxes where I live.

If you're building your own chicken run, why not build your own chicken coop ?

I built a 10 bird coop for £94 using all new wood, and it looks grand.
The only chicken coop stockist on the island wants £84 for a two bird coop.

I used cuprinol on on the wood. No problems with the birds. (which cost £12 on the island)

[Ice]

Gabbo has said on another thread that there is a problem with a lack of ability when it comes to woodwork.

You don't need specially treated wood but it will last longer.

You can bury the wire 18 inches deep or make an apron of wire around the run to deter digging.

I find 2"x2" more than adequate for a run.

[gabbo]

right ive decided to build one ive found some on the net - 4m x 2m and reckon i can build a run - coop 

what is the best type of wire to use are 2" holes too big in chicken wire?

[grumpydad]

dont use a wire bigger than 13mm, half an inch, stops rats getting in, a chicken getting its head stuck out, and a fox getting its jaw in to bite through the wire

[gabbo]

dont use a wire bigger than 13mm, half an inch, stops rats getting in, a chicken getting its head stuck out, and a fox getting its jaw in to bite through the wire

cheers