I need help with my run! (please!)

[Flighttattendant]

Hi guys,

have spent the last few days furiously trying to put up a chicken run.

It's about 5 metres by 2 and a half and has been very hard work. It's getting there, but the one thing I am really struggling with is a tree.

It's in the corner next to the shed. Most of the run is covered with galvanised sheeting (you know, that corrugated stuff) which is wonderful but obviously I can't use it where the tree is so need to use wire.

I can't figure out how to attach the wire to the tree. I've put battens at the top of where it needs to go, but at the bottom I obviously can't dig it into the ground because of the huge roots, so what do I do - how do I make sure the fox can't get underneath? I guess foxes can't dig through roots either, right? So could I use a plank at the bottom, without a gap underneath?

I am very paranoid atm because of losing two super chickens this week so really need to get this right.

Sorry for stupid question!

Photos to help you are here

Thanks

Also do you think they will be OK with the tin roof?

I am worried it might not be sunny enough for them. There will be a bit by the shed that's not covered but is this enough?

Hi flight - it looks great to me. However I'm no expert.

What about posting a thread with pics on The Poultry Garden forum, or the Omlet one for that matter? You'll probably get a quicker response

Thankyou!! I have spent all day sitting by that blardy tree trying to get the wire round it. However we are nearly there I feel.
Now I have to build a DOOR. It is going to be fun, isn't it! Poor old Persephone was sat pecking the pop hole, trying to get out; I can't let her just yet but will need it finished or thereabouts tomorrow as new chooks on Thursday.

panic mode!

I have a similar panic mode to find a secondhand house for some ex batts I said I'd re-home. Doh!

Everything on eBay seems to be running for days and days, and that's before I've persuaded dh to drive to the other end of the country for pick up......I may have to follow your example and do some DIY, although it would be nowhere near as good as your efforts.

Salty I'm sure it would - it is a total bodge, honestly, if you see it in person!

Where are you - I'm selling our Forsham if you are near enough. We're in Kent.

will check back later as have to go and put roof on!!

Flight - it looks super, you've done a fabulous job - well done and good luck with the door!!

Thanks Millie!

Still working on it...left ds2 inside and instead of watching telly, he went and got in the bath, did TWO wees in my toilet (yay!) and tried to make weetabix.

I have to stay in until I can get him to have a nap or someone will call social services

Ooooh flight - I am looking for a forsham! I couldn't make it to Kent but could send a courier (and pay in advance of course) if that would be do-able?

Do you have CAT?

LOL Flight - that is funny! Good for him. I'm going to have to start potty training DTs soon - keep putting it off but must get started before they are old enough for uni!

I know the feeling Millie

Salty! sorry, it's been crazy here and just back from school and shopping.

Well, in theory it could go with a courier. It does dismantle - it's the Boughton 902a if you want to look it up.

I'm sorry I don't have CAT - do you? If so feel free to CAT me.

If you don't, ask anything you need to know on here and we will work something out!

I will CAT you (fingers crossed my MN membership is up to date!)

Have CATed you - phew!

Thanks, got it and replied

What I would suggest you do is effectivley fence off the tree by hammering stakes in or concreting posts into holes dug into the ground at some distance from the tree. Then rather than trying to wrap the wire round the tree you attach it to the posts as per normal.

The run looks great by the way.

Thanks ABD, how nice of you. I've got much further with it today - the whole bit by the tree has a roof framework now, based on the tree - so I've sort of done what you said but the framework is on the trunk because there's not much room to bring it further out.

The main problem was the roots and the bits in between, behind the tree etc. For now it is all reinforced with loads of wire wrapped round the trunk and stapled in place, then buried in the ground by the roots, and finally a load of roof tiles dumped on the base of the wire while I think of a better solution!

The roof will be finished tomorrow and I just have to build a proper door now. Have also slabbed at the far end and will get more slabs for the front edge tomorrow, too, just to double-insure against old foxy digging under the wire somehow (though it's already sunk into the earth for about a foot)

Bloody creature had come back this morning and dug UP one of our dead girls It was horrible and I hate that fox. But at least I suppose she wasn't wasted.

I am totally paranoid now about any route he might find in. I might build a double fence, as you suggest BeenBeta, a little way out from the tree itself - just another layer of strong wire. Or get a gun

Ah! Inspiration! I'm going to use wooden T&G round the tree.

Over the wire I mean - just panel it. Then it can't shift about so easily or be bitten through etc. Should be quite strong.

Thankyou for brainstorming with me - you've inspired me!

Oh heck, you have a fox prowlng round?

That is a real worry. They are a menace and will dig up a fence without any trouble.

Do you have an internal shed inside the run to lock the chickens in at night.

Yes Oh definitely, we I have just converted the old 6x8 shed you can see in the picture at the far end of the run.

They were living in a proper ark before and free range in that area during the day, always locked up at night but he came in the morning last week.

Sneaky old thing.

The plan was to keep them in the big shed and get a few more gradually. Thatw as already in progress. But the covered run has been a totally rushed job!

It's 5m long and 2.5 wide so hoping big enough for maybe 5 girls. They say 2sqm per bird I think.

I hate keeping them in a run however big but the bloody fox isn't getting any more of my lovely girls!

There will be slabs all round the run, for daytime security (can't imagine a fox digging under a slab during daylight)

and I may get an electric wire around it too, just to piss him off

Not taking ANY chances this time. I was gutted when they were taken. We only have one left and she has been in the shed alone for a week - tomorrow she will have some friends!

Mind you she's been a great help this week with the cordless drill - she's getting quite good at it

Good luck with your new girls tomorrow Flight ... keep us posted. And more run pictures please - you've done a brilliant job!

Thankyou Millie I will let you know how it goes. Not even sure which sorts we are having yet, nor how many!

Can't wait for your update ... happy chicken shopping

Well i am no help re the tree but that white boucle doggy in your pics is Fab.