June 5, 2025|Chickens, Homesteading, Livestock, Tips
Hey there, it’s Kara from Lange Girl Farms! June’s perfect for a chicken run—my hens love summer freedom, and after 15 years, I’ve built ‘em cheap and natural. From husky-proofing to llama-proof fences, my homestead’s taught me to repurpose scraps sustainably. This DIY’s beginner-friendly, holistic, and keeps my flock safe—years of tweaking behind it. Let’s give your hens some room, farm girl style!
Step 1: Plan Your Space
Four square feet per hen—my trio needs 12. I sketched it near the coop; 15 years showed me shade’s key in June heat—my ducks splash close by.
Step 2: Gather Scraps
Old wood, wire, posts—barn leftovers work. I snagged hardware cloth on Amazon, use my affiliate link (Hardware Cloth,1/2inch 48inx100ft 19 Gauge,Double-Layer Hot-Dip Galvanizing After Welding,Chicken Wire Fence Wire Mesh Fence Poultry Netting Garden Fence Tree Guard Rolls https://amzn.to/3I6moXm)cheap; my first run used husky kennel scraps and pallets!
Step 3: Build the Frame
Screw posts in a rectangle—drill like i have and use on the farm can be found here thru my affiliate link – (DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger (DCK240C2) https://amzn.to/3TlJhbA and sweat. My minis watched me nail boards; years taught me sturdy beats fancy.
Step 4: Wire It Up
Wrap wire around, bury six inches—raccoons taught me that lesson. Secure wire with crown staples – (DEWALT 20V MAX* Narrow Crown Stapler, 18GA, Tool Only (DCN681B) https://amzn.to/46o89ad ) and uses the same batteries as the drill and driver set mentioned in step 3; my chickens test it daily.
Step 5: Add a Roof
Netting or scrap tin—bird netting you can find here with my affiliate link – (Bird Netting for Garden https://amzn.to/4erv8Dk) keeps hawks out. My husky pup once climbed in; now it’s hawk- and dog-proof!
Conclusion
This budget run’s my flock’s summer joy—15 years of scraps made it sustainable. Build yours this June; your hens’ll strut! Pin this for your DIY, and follow Lange Girl Farms for more thrifty tricks.
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