How to Build a Chicken Run | Chicken Run Plans

A chicken run is a necessary part of chicken’s environment for health and well-being. Using quality chicken run plans is key to your success.

Generally, if you only have limited space for the chicken coop, make sure you plan for at least 10 square feet per chicken for the outdoor area.

When it comes to planning your chicken coop, don’t buy the chickens until you know how much space you have to work with!

How to build a Chicken Run and get Chicken Run Plans

Never have an overcrowded chicken coop or run. Chickens need enough space to move and need individual space or else territorial fighting can occur. Also, chickens produce more eggs when they have access to exercise, light, ventilation and adequate nesting boxes.

When you begin your plans for how to build a chicken run, follow these quick steps to make sure you get the most from your space.

Step #1
Plan the run as an attachment to the coop building. You don’t want to be moving chickens from the coop to another area. Use string and pencils to anchor an outline of the space, at least 10 feet by 10 feet per chicken.

Step #2
Invest in good quality materials that will stand up to weather and time. Use 2x4” boards to create ground rails inside the parameter. Use untreated wood as treatments can be toxic to the chickens. Sink 4x4” posts about 6-12” deep at intervals to create the square or rectangle run. You may want to use concrete if your climate is very wet.

Use hardware mesh instead of ‘chicken wire’ as this is too flimsy against weather and predators.

Hardware mesh is available in most hardware or building material stores.

Get this plan for a chicken coop at
 Building a Chicken Coop

Step #3
Build a water trough and a feeder for outside use. Chickens need a lot of water, and the water trough should be in a high-traffic area. Chose a heavy round water pan or a metal water trough that has a connection to water. Also, keep these very clean and empty out leftover food at night to prevent rats.

Step #4
Provide a dish of ground oyster shell outside in the run. Chickens have gizzards instead of teeth to grind their food. If your soil doesn’t have enough grit they will need an additional source for grit.

By providing a simple outdoor space you will ensure you have healthy chickens and a high quantity of eggs.Your chickens will be happier and more productive with room to roam.

For more tips on chicken care, check out this article about Building a Chicken Coop

These are the plans I settled on:

They really worked for me and I got the chicken coop I wanted within my budget and my building skills. I highly recommend you check out Building A Chicken Coop

This is the ultimate guide to planning and building your own coop in your backyard. In includes drafts of plans, dimensions, materials lists and sources to everything you need to build a sustainable chicken coop.