Building a Temporary Movable Chicken Run Is This Setup Secure?

[RuralRooster]

Hi everyone, Im working on building a temporary, movable chicken run that will connect to a movable coop. Heres what I have so far:

- The frame is made of lightweight 1x2 boards and measures 6x8 feet.
- I have one side built and plan to cover it with scrap hardware cloth.
- Ill be adding extra side support boards for stability.

My main question is about predator-proofing:

Im considering using chicken wire on top, covered with a tarp for shade and protection. For the base, I plan to use a chicken wire skirting, which wont be attached to the frame but will be staked to the ground around the perimeter to help prevent digging predators.

Would this setup be secure enough? Any advice on improvements or potential weaknesses?

Thanks for your input!

[FeatheredPhilosopher]

A predator-proof run is critical, especially if you plan to leave your chickens unsupervised. Chicken wire works for keeping birds in, but raccoons, opossums, and even large rats can easily rip through it. Hardware cloth (1/4” or 1/2”) is much stronger. A wire skirt helps, but instead of just staking it, consider burying it a few inches underground or bending it outward in an "L" shape to deter diggers.

[CrowingChampion]

Hi everyone, Im working on building a temporary, movable chicken run that will connect to a movable coop. Heres what I have so far:

- The frame is made of lightweight 1x2 boards and measures 6x8 feet.
- I have one side built and plan to cover it with scrap hardware cloth.
- Ill be adding extra side support boards for stability.

My main question is about predator-proofing:

Im considering using chicken wire on top, covered with a tarp for shade and protection. For the base, I plan to use a chicken wire skirting, which wont be attached to the frame but will be staked to the ground around the perimeter to help prevent digging predators.

Would this setup be secure enough? Any advice on improvements or potential weaknesses?

Thanks for your input!

If you're dealing with burrowing predators, you might want to bury your skirting instead of just staking it down. A bent "L" shape works well.

[EggstraSpecial]

Wind and rain can wear down your tarp and chicken wire quickly. Reinforce stress points with zip ties or strong clips to prevent sagging.

[BarnyardWanderer]

Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but not predators out. Raccoons, foxes, and weasels can tear through it. Hardware cloth is a safer choice.

[ScratcherSavant]

A movable run is a great idea! Just be mindful of predators digging under,burying part of the skirt might add extra protection.

[RoosterWrangler]

Your setup is coming along well! However, chicken wire won't stop predators like raccoons or dogs. Hardware cloth is much stronger and more reliable. If cost is a concern, you can use a mix,hardware cloth for the lower sections and chicken wire on top. Also, consider securing the wire skirting with something heavier, like bricks or landscape staples, so it doesn't shift.