Chickens love being outdoors. They thrive on free-ranging in the yard, scratching in the grass, and hiding under plants for an afternoon nap. It’s their happy place. But sometimes, giving them full roam isn’t practical. Whether you’re away, the weather’s bad, or there are predators lurking nearby, it’s important to have a secure run attached to your chicken coop. Even if your chickens don’t use it all the time, a safe space is a must. One of the key factors in designing this run is making it predator-proof. Here’s how I approached it when I designed my own chicken coop and run.
Why Predator-Proofing is Essential
Predators come in all shapes and sizes, and they’ll find various ways to target chickens. Some will strike from above, others will stalk on the ground. There are those who dig, while some might burrow beneath the surface. When designing your chicken run, it’s crucial to think like a predator to anticipate how they might try to access your flock. Too many people only consider predator-proofing after they’ve already lost a chicken (or more). It’s always better to be proactive.
When I think about predators, I consider the worst-case scenarios: Can they kill my chickens or chicks? Could they introduce diseases? Or, worst of all, could they steal my entire flock? These are the risks you want to avoid from the start.
Identify Local Chicken Predators
Before designing your chicken run, it’s important to know what kind of predators live in your area. For me, living on Cape Cod, the list includes birds of prey, coyotes, foxes, fisher cats, raccoons, snakes, rats, mice, minks, neighborhood dogs, wild birds, cats, and even possibly humans.
For others, larger threats could include big cats or even bears. Knowing your local predators helps you plan the right defenses.
How Big Should the Chicken Run Be?
The chicken run is the outdoor portion of your chicken setup, and ideally, you should aim for about 10 square feet of space per bird. This gives each chicken enough room to move around comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to behavioral issues, like feather picking, and can also make your flock more susceptible to diseases. As a general rule, the bigger the run, the better.
Why You Should Avoid Chicken Wire—and What to Use Instead
Chicken wire may seem like a simple solution, but it’s not effective for predator-proofing. It was designed to keep chickens in, not to keep predators out. Raccoons, for instance, can reach through chicken wire and grab chickens, while minks, rats, and snakes can easily slip through the gaps. Fisher cats are strong enough to tear the wire apart to gain access.
Instead, use 1/2” galvanized hardware cloth for the run. It’s much stronger, more secure, and resistant to predators trying to squeeze through or tear it apart. Also, opt for pressure-treated wood for your framing. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it for longevity and resistance to rot and decay over time.
Predator-Proof Design for All Seasons and Weather
One of the most important things to consider when building your chicken run is adding a roof. It may seem like an extra step, but it comes with numerous benefits that will keep your flock safe and comfortable all year round.
A roof can be made from various materials like wood and shingles, corrugated metal, or even plastic sheeting often used in greenhouses. Here’s why it’s so essential:
- Protection from the elements: A roof allows your chickens to stay outside even during rain or snow, providing them with shelter and the ability to roam without getting soaked.
- Snow management: Build the roof with a slight slope or pitch so that snow slides off easily, preventing heavy buildup and damage.
- Wild bird deterrent: A roof keeps wild birds from flying into the run, reducing the risk of diseases being transmitted to your flock.
- Predator defense: Birds of prey, like hawks and eagles, can swoop down and attack chickens, but a roof will block that. It also helps keep climbing predators, such as raccoons, from gaining access from above.
- Shade and cooling: A roof provides much-needed shade during hot summer months, helping to keep the run cooler and more comfortable for your chickens.
Consider Accessibility for You
Make sure the run is tall enough for you to walk into comfortably. This will make cleaning, feeding, and general maintenance much easier. You’ll also be able to spend quality time with your chickens without needing to crouch or bend over constantly. Plus, giving them a higher area to roost adds another layer of safety, as chickens naturally seek higher ground when they feel threatened. Elevated perches and roosts help your flock stay out of reach from predators and give them more space to spread out.
Adding Roosts and Perches
Incorporate outdoor roosts or perches to increase the space your chickens can use. These can be anything from branches, cut logs, or even old ladders. This not only provides them with more space to explore, but it also taps into their natural instincts to roost in trees for safety and security. It’s a win-win for their well-being and adds to the overall functionality of the run.
Create a Digging Barrier
One of the sneakiest ways predators can get to your chickens is by digging under the run. To prevent this, add a 2-foot wide apron of 1/2-inch hardware cloth around the entire perimeter of the chicken run. Dig it down just a few inches into the ground, then cover it with soil, wood chips, mulch, or other plantings. This barrier will help keep digging predators—like foxes, raccoons, and coyotes—at bay. It’s a simple but effective way to ensure they can’t tunnel under your run.
Use Two-Step Locks
Raccoons are notorious for their intelligence, and they can open almost any lock that a child could manage. To outsmart them, always use metal locks that are resistant to rust and require two steps to open. Look for locks with a spring-protected latch or slide-and-twist mechanisms. This extra level of security will make it much harder for raccoons and other clever creatures to get into the run.
Keeping Your Chickens Safe
When your chickens feel safe, they will thrive. A secure environment reduces stress and keeps them healthy, which ultimately boosts egg production and overall happiness. If you’re in an area with large predators like bears or big cats, consider adding an electric fence or bringing in a livestock protection dog. These extra measures can make a huge difference in keeping your flock safe.
By putting these predator-proofing steps in place early on, you’re ensuring your chickens will have a secure home for years to come, and sparing yourself from the heartache of a preventable attack. It’s worth investing the time and effort to give your flock the best protection possible.
