Chickens need a good sized enclosure to allow them to move around, peck at the ground and feed off the bugs and worms that they find. These chicken runs, or pens, are usually enclosed with a high chicken wire fence or other tall face to discourage predators. Generally, they are attached to the coop to allow the chickens to come and go as they wish.

Regular doses of fresh air and sunshine are necessary for chickens to produce healthy eggs. They are not designed to live in the dark all the time, all cooped up. An outdoor enclosure allows the chickens to roam about. They get exercise as well as sun and air. Build the pen nice and solid with plenty of room to keep chickens safe and healthy. Make sure predators are kept at bay.

They’ll use their pen for other points, too. Chickens don’t bathe in water,  they bathe in dirt, so they require lots of it. Any roosters you’ve are going  to require room to strut their stuff or do battle having a potential rival to  impress the ladies.

Your design may change depending on the breed of chicken you select to  increase. Heavier birds aren’t as likely to fly the coop, so they’ll not  require as higher a fence. Maybe just some wooden posts with wire stretched  between them. Lighter birds, a lot more capable of flight, will generally need  a roof of some type. You are able to stick using the chicken wire or switch to  bird netting for this purpose.

Look into the laws in your area regulating chicken raising. If you are out in the country, you probably will not encounter any difficulties. In more urban areas, however, there are often strict laws about how many chickens you can keep and some municipalities outlaw home flocks all together! Better to find out what legal restrictions might affect your efforts before you go out and buy a large flock of chickens.

Location is going to become key. There will need to be sufficient room for both  the chicken pen and also the coop; connecting them is the greatest way. When the sun  comes up, the chickens can come out on their own and wait for you personally to  show up using the feed. When it goes back down, they’ll follow every other  inside and go to sleep.

What about predators? In rural areas, there are many of them. Foxes might be interested or larger birds of prey could swoop down from on high and carry off your prize hen. In town, there are always stray cats around and sometimes rats that might harass your flock. Plan ahead and keep them at bay. Don’t put your run near to where potential predators live.

You’re now ready to construct secure, secure chicken runs. By providing an  adequate outdoor environment, you’re certain to increase wholesome, pleased  birds.