Hanging Chicken Run: A Space-Saving Solution for Small Backyards

If you’re an urban homesteader or backyard chicken enthusiast, you know that space is a precious commodity. It can be challenging to find enough room for chickens to roam and scratch around without encroaching on other activities in your backyard. One solution to this problem is the hanging chicken run.

What is a Hanging Chicken Run?

A hanging chicken run is a suspended enclosure that allows your chickens to safely move about without taking up valuable ground space. The enclosure is typically made of wire mesh, and it hangs from a frame that is attached to a sturdy structure like a tree or a shed. The frame can be made of wood or metal, and it should be strong enough to support the weight of the enclosure and the chickens.

Advantages of a Hanging Chicken Run

There are several advantages to using a hanging chicken run:

1. Space-saving: As mentioned earlier, a hanging chicken run is an excellent solution for those with limited backyard space. It allows you to keep chickens without taking up valuable ground space, which can be used for other activities like gardening or outdoor entertaining.

2. Protection: A hanging chicken run provides protection from predators like raccoons and foxes. Because the enclosure is suspended off the ground, it’s more difficult for predators to access the chickens.

3. Easy to move: A hanging chicken run can be easily moved from one location to another. This is especially helpful if you need to relocate the chickens to a new part of your yard or if you need to move them indoors during extreme weather conditions.

4. Cleanliness: Because the chickens are off the ground, a hanging chicken run can be easier to keep clean. Droppings fall through the wire mesh and onto the ground, making it easier to dispose of them.

Design Considerations for a Hanging Chicken Run

When designing a hanging chicken run, there are several factors to consider:

1. Size: The size of the enclosure will depend on the number of chickens you have and the amount of space you have available. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet of space per chicken.

2. Height: The enclosure should be tall enough to allow the chickens to move around comfortably, but not so high that it’s difficult for you to reach in and tend to the chickens.

3. Accessibility: The enclosure should be designed in such a way that it’s easy for you to access the chickens for feeding and cleaning.

4. Materials: The enclosure should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand the weight of the chickens and the weather conditions in your area.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a space-saving solution for keeping chickens in your backyard, a hanging chicken run is an excellent option to consider. It provides protection from predators, is easy to move, and can be easier to keep clean. With proper design considerations, a hanging chicken run can provide a safe and comfortable home for your feathered friends.

This article is provided by https://www.barkukonline.co.uk/poultry-run-wood-chips