skye Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 Hi guys, Thanks for all your advice and encouragement over our first few weeks as omleterians As the nights draw in, our girls are having fewer opportunities to run around during the week as we don't get home til around 7.30pm. We thought we'd build them a nice big run, possibly with some bushes and nice places for dust bathing, perching bars etc, to keep them occupied over the winter when they'll only be able to free-range at weekends. I've seen all the great runs on the Run Inspiration FAQ thread...they are inspiration indeed! Does anybody know a good place to obtain diy plans/diagrams/'how to' instructions on the 'tinternet? Cheers H&R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkleeeeee Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 i decided one evening to make a big run for my girls and i couldnt find any plan on the internet so i had a look at the lovely run inspirations and the wood we had spare, i did a quick sketch that night and set to it with a tape measure, hammer saw and nails the following day. unfortunately it was during the rain and wind we had a few weeks back so it wasnt the best experience and i did make it on my own as its hectic in the summer holidays as hubbies builders do alot of work on schools. it took me two days to build but i have yet to replace the roof. there were a few bad moments when the sides fell to bits as they were really big and i had to drag rather then lift them and they were heavy and the back pannel twisted and fell on me when i was trying to fix it. i built the sides first and then the front and back. i then dragged it into position and fixed the back to the fence. i just attached the sides and then the front and the roof will be corrigated plastic type material but its just meshed at the moment as i have to wait for one of the trucks to get some from the merchants as it will not fit in my car. at the moment its 100% recycled but all i could find that was waterproof for the roof was a canvas tarp and i know it will pool water so i will have to buy the roof material. i need to tidy it up some more and stain it but i am really chuffed with myself and the workmen cant believe it (a 5ft5 female school teacher built it on my own in two days) its a bit wonky but is still standing and i have been on the roof and it still ok. i made it tall so i could build two levels for the chooks to maximise the space. i am going to put the cube on the outside of the run so its easier to access. you can see it in the background of the party photos on my album the ones looking towards the windmill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 Welcome to the forum Skye I dont know anything about runs, just wanted to welcome you! You're not in Skye are you? If you were I'd be really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted September 15, 2007 Author Share Posted September 15, 2007 Sparkleee thanks for your advice, it sounds like you had a real job on your hands what with the weather as well, but you must be very proud to have put it together single handedly! Do you have any pics? I think we may get started this weekend! Hi Chelsea, thanks very much for your welcome, everybody here is so friendly and helpful and it's really helped us reading the threads in our first month of chickendom. We're not on the Isle of Skye unfortunately, we're in Surrey! Our cottage is called Skye Heidi and Roly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 Hi You can see piccys of mine from the link below & I think they are also on the inspiration thread. We made it around the size of the roofing sheets, so that might be a good place to start. Also timbers come in standar lenghts, so there again you can base sizes around those. make sure its tall enough to stand up in - that is a big help! You can also buy ready made runs,which are not too expensive when you work out the costs of materials & labour etc This is a nice one..................... http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/acatalog/Poultry_Protection_Pen.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted September 15, 2007 Author Share Posted September 15, 2007 wow sarah your run looks great, and so sturdy! very cool indeed. do you have to have a minimum thickness of chicken wire to make it fox proof would you say? Also thanks for the link you sent from flightsoffancy, i've seen that one and noticed they also sell fox-proof skirts to add around the bottom of the run if you build it yourself. may add one as a finishing touch when we're done. heidi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 In retrospect Skye,we should have used welded mesh, but have got a double layer of chicken wire instead. Next time,if we don't just buy one,it will 100% be welded mesh,as its so much sturdier & safer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkleeeeee Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 you can see it from a distance on my album but i will go and take some more when i am putting the new roof on kate has a really great run and there are some photos on her album Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lost-sheep Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 they have a few for sale on ebay sometimes... or is that houses... welcome any who... you'll get used to me being dippy soon enough! did i just say that???.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
