We’re excited to share an incredible solution we’ve created for keeping our chickens active and happy while protecting both our lawn and garden.
This rotating chicken run is a simple yet effective way to pasture our backyard chickens and maintain a healthy, lush lawn. It’s a project that has not only benefited our chickens but has also made our backyard a much more enjoyable space for us and our neighbors.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before diving into the build, you’ll need a few tools and materials. We’ve gathered these over time, often from neighbors or local dumpsters, so don’t worry if you’re on a budget. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Lattice: This is the main structure of the run. We used 2-foot wide lattice sheets, which are much more affordable when purchased at a hardware store (around $40 at Home Depot). These sheets were previously used for seasonal displays at a local senior center.
- Welded Wire Fencing: You’ll want fencing that’s sturdy enough to keep the chickens in, but not too wide so they can’t slip through. We recommend a 2″x3″ welded wire, though we used 2″x4″ fencing with no issues for adult chickens (just be mindful of young chicks).
- Wire (Electrical Wire): We used stripped-down electrical wire for tying parts of the structure together. You could also use zip ties if you prefer.
- Chicken Wire: We used chicken wire to connect the run to the coop. This was repurposed from an earlier temporary run for baby chicks.
Tools:
- Wire Stripper: This tool is essential for stripping the electrical wire used in the project.
- Tin Snips: You’ll need these to cut chicken wire (just don’t use them for welded wire).
- Circular Saw: A circular saw will be helpful for cutting the lattice material to the right size.
- Digital File (Optional): If you want, you can download a TinkerCAD model of the layout to help you visualize the process.
Step 1: Creating a Pasture for Backyard Chickens
Pasturing your backyard chickens is a fantastic way to keep them healthy, while also maintaining your lawn. Overgrazing is a common issue when using pasture systems, but with the rotating run, we can move the chickens around and give the grass plenty of time to recover between rotations.
We’ve found that a 40-square-foot run works well for our four chickens, and we move it every 2-3 days. This gives the grass plenty of time to regrow, and the chickens have fresh pasture to explore.
Key Features of the Rotating Run
There are a few essential features that make this rotating run work so well:
- Connection to the Coop: We’ve used an old futon as a raised section to move the chickens out into the yard. From this raised section, we’ve set up a pivot to rotate the run easily.
- South-Facing Lattice: The lattice is placed on the south side of the run, providing the chickens with shade on hot days. This keeps them comfortable and allows them to graze without overheating.
- Fully Enclosed Run: After experimenting with an earlier prototype, we learned that chickens love to dig. A wire base is necessary to keep them from digging up the dirt and creating messes. The welded wire keeps the chickens secure, and the setup is strong enough to withstand their digging instincts.
- End Door: Although not essential, we added a door at the end of the run using an old dog kennel door. This makes it easy to let the chickens out every few weeks, typically around dusk.
Step 2: Preparing the Materials and Tools
Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to start building. The first step is to lay out your welded wire fencing alongside the lattice material. The 2-foot wide lattice sheets are joined using screws that bite right into the thick plastic. This creates a sturdy base for the run.
Next, fold the fencing to form a tunnel or U-shape, which will serve as the body of the run.
Step 3: Forming the D-Shape
To create a more stable structure, connect the welded wire to the lattice using twist ties made from copper wire. The twist-tie method ensures that the wire is secure and will last without rusting. The D-shape design is important because it allows the welded wire sides to sit flat against the lattice, making it easier to move the run and preventing it from tipping over. This structure has proven to be much more durable than earlier versions we tried.
Step 4: Connecting the Run to the Coop
To connect the run to the coop, we used two funnels made from large triangular sections of wire. These funnels help create a flexible connection between the run and the main coop, allowing us to move the run without any issues. We wove the wire through the fencing to secure the funnels in place, creating a solid, adjustable connection.
Step 5: Testing the First Version
Our first attempt at the rotating run wasn’t perfect, and we learned a lot from the failure. The main issue was that the chickens immediately started scratching when they reached the dirt, leaving patches of exposed soil. This resulted in slower grass regrowth. The structure also wasn’t as stable as we had hoped, and we had to use stakes to keep it in place during windy conditions.
Step 6: Fine-Tuning the System
After a few adjustments, including reinforcing the structure and improving the wire connections, we were able to get the rotating run functioning properly. For most of the season, we moved the run every 3-4 weeks, which allowed the grass to fully recover. During the fall, when grass grows slower, we extended the recovery period to about 6 weeks.
Step 7: Enjoying the Benefits
The chickens are now able to enjoy the fresh pasture, and we’ve noticed an improvement in the quality of our lawn. The neighbors continue to enjoy seeing the chickens and even stop by with scraps for them. It’s become a great community feature, and we’re happy to share our backyard with the local kids.
Ready to Build Your Own Rotating Run?
We hope this guide gives you the confidence and inspiration to build your own rotating chicken run. It’s a simple, low-cost solution that has made a big difference in our yard. It keeps our chickens happy, protects our garden, and maintains a healthy lawn. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, this project is a great way to provide your chickens with a more active, natural lifestyle.
If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear how you’ve adapted this idea to fit your own backyard!
This plan is a contribution by [jprussack]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
