Hanging Chicken Run: A Space-Saving Solution for Small Backyards

If you’re a backyard chicken keeper with limited space, you may be struggling to provide your feathered friends with a safe and comfortable living area. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help you maximize your space and keep your chickens happy and healthy: a hanging chicken run.

What is a Hanging Chicken Run?

A hanging chicken run is exactly what it sounds like: a chicken run that is suspended off the ground, typically from a sturdy structure like a tree branch or a pergola. This type of chicken run is designed to provide your birds with a safe and secure outdoor space to roam, scratch, and peck, while also protecting them from predators and the elements.

Benefits of a Hanging Chicken Run

There are several benefits to choosing a hanging chicken run over a traditional chicken run:

1. Space-saving: One of the main advantages of a hanging chicken run is that it takes up very little space on the ground, making it an ideal option for small backyards or urban settings where space is at a premium.

2. Predator protection: By elevating your chicken run off the ground, you can help protect your birds from predators like raccoons, foxes, and snakes.

3. Easy access: With a hanging chicken run, you can easily move it around your yard or garden as needed, giving your chickens access to fresh grass and insects.

4. Aesthetically pleasing: A hanging chicken run can also be a beautiful addition to your backyard, adding a touch of rustic charm and whimsy to your outdoor space.

How to Build a Hanging Chicken Run

If you’re handy with tools and have some DIY experience, you can build your own hanging chicken run with a few basic materials:

1. Chicken wire or hardware cloth: You’ll need enough to cover the top and sides of your chicken run.

2. Lumber: You’ll need 2x4s or other sturdy lumber to build the frame of your chicken run.

3. Eye bolts and carabiners: These will be used to attach the chicken run to a tree branch or other structure.

4. Screws, nails, and other hardware: You’ll need various screws, nails, and other hardware to assemble the frame of your chicken run.

Once you have your materials, you can follow these basic steps to build your hanging chicken run:

1. Measure and cut your lumber to the desired size.

2. Assemble the frame of your chicken run, using screws, nails, or other hardware to secure the corners.

3. Attach the chicken wire or hardware cloth to the frame, making sure it’s secure and taut.

4. Attach eye bolts to the top corners of your chicken run.

5. Use carabiners to attach the eye bolts to a sturdy tree branch or other structure.

6. Add a door or hatch to the chicken run for easy access.

7. Add roosts, nesting boxes, and other features as desired.

In conclusion, a hanging chicken run is a space-saving and practical solution for backyard chicken keepers with limited space. With a few basic materials and some DIY know-how, you can easily build your own hanging chicken run and provide your feathered friends with a safe and comfortable outdoor space to call home.

This article is provided by https://www.barkukonline.co.uk/poultry-run-wood-chips