Creating a Predator-Proof Chicken Run

When setting up a home for your chickens, the focus is often on the coop, but the chicken run is just as crucial.

While we envision free-range chickens happily roaming the yard, eating bugs and grass, there’s one glaring concern that many overlook — daytime predators. Though nighttime threats are well-known, daytime predators can be just as dangerous to your flock.

Building a Secure Run

To keep chickens safe during the day, a sturdy run is essential, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected. The ideal size? As large as possible while maintaining security. There are two key components to a chicken run: fencing and netting.

Fencing

Fencing is essential for securing a chicken run, keeping birds in and predators out.

A 20-gauge hex wire that is galvanized and PVC-dipped offers superior durability — lasting up to 15 years in the field. While the initial cost is higher, it saves time and money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Standard chicken wire, by comparison, tends to wear out more quickly.

To prevent digging predators, bury the fencing 6- to 8-inches into the ground or flare it outward to deter tunneling. For larger areas, using a trencher from an equipment rental company can simplify the process.

For most ground predators, sturdy fencing is sufficient, however, in areas with bears, electric fencing provides the best protection. While older bears may target chicken feed, younger ones can pose a direct threat to the flock.

Installing electric fencing is straightforward, requiring an energizer, fencing and a grounding rod. When an animal touches the charged fence and completes the circuit by touching the ground, it receives a deterrent shock. Both solar and plug-in energizers are available, making electric fencing an option even in locations without direct power access.

Netting

Flying predators can be deterred with various methods — reflective tape, large eyes, blinking lights and other gadgets. While these can help, nothing ensures your chickens’ safety like quality poultry netting.

Knotted netting is a durable option for securing a chicken run. It should be attached to fencing using plastic zip ties or metal hog rings for a strong connection. For long spans between poles, aircraft cable or wire can be used to support the netting, similar to how a tent structure distributes weight — poles bear the majority of the load while the wire provides additional reinforcement.

By following these simple guidelines, you can create a well-built and secure chicken run. That said, when someone is home to monitor the birds, they can be allowed to free range, but always under supervision to ensure their safety.

Run Placement

With daytime predator protection covered, it’s important to focus on the run itself.

Choosing a location with good drainage is essential to avoid a muddy environment, which benefits both the chickens and their caretaker. Dry conditions promote healthier birds, so the run should be placed in an area that prevents standing water. If needed, drainage tiles can be used to improve water flow and keep the space dry.

Try to position your chicken run so it gets a good mix of sun and shade. While you don’t want your chickens to overheat in the summer, they still need some sunlight. If your run is in direct sunlight, consider planting bushes or using shade cloth to provide relief from the heat.

Supplying your birds with a dust bath will encourage them to keep themselves clean. All you need is a small spot of dry sand, and your chickens will instinctively use it to flush out dirt and pests from their feathers.

Food and water can be provided in the run as long as the water remains clean, and the feed stays dry. To ensure this, consider using chicken nipple waterers to prevent contamination and range or treadle feeders to protect the feed from moisture. If these conditions can be met, keeping food and water in the run is a practical option.

Daytime predators like hawks, eagles, owls, coyotes, dogs, foxes, bears and bobcats can swiftly devastate your flock — take the right precautions to keep your chickens safe.