How to Build Your Own Rabbit and Chicken Run

Rabbits and chickens enjoy browsing in the open and have been known to live well together if they have sufficient room to roam. The ability to move about freely helps keep them happy and healthy. Unfortunately, letting them have the run of the property makes them vulnerable to hawks, foxes and other predators. The best way to keep them relatively safe and still allow them the fresh air and exercise they need is to build a rabbit or chicken run large enough to accommodate them comfortably.

Things You'll Need

  • 7 foot T-posts
  • T-post fence clips
  • T-post driver
  • 4 small stakes
  • 5 foot high chicken wire roll(s)
  • Guide string or rope
  • U-shaped metal staples
  • Wire cutters
  • Trenching shovel
  • Hammer
  • Assistant (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a sketch of the look and dimensions of the run. T-posts should stand 6 feet apart. Incorporate your coop or hutch into the run's design.

    • 2

      Use small stakes to mark the corners of the run.

    • 3

      Stretch a string or rope from one corner stake to the next to mark the fence line. This will help guide you.

    • 4

      Use the trenching shovel to dig a 6 inch deep trench along the fence lines. This will help keep predators from burrowing under the fence.

    • 5

      Use the T-post driver to pound a T-post into the ground at each corner and at 6 foot intervals along the fence line. Drive the posts to a depth of about 2 feet, enough that their small, flat plate stabilizers are sunk beneath the soil at the bottom of the trench.

    • 6

      Pick a starting T-post, stand the roll of chicken wire next to it and temporarily fasten the end of the wire roll to the post with string.

    • 7

      Unroll the chicken wire all the way around the perimeter posts, temporarily securing the wire to each post with string. Make certain the chicken wire rests at the bottom of the trench. Have an assistant help you if necessary.

    • 8

      Use 3 to 4 fence clips to permanently secure the starting end of the chicken wire to the corner T-post. Continue this process at each T-post, stretching the wire along the way to keep it taut.

    • 9

      Hammer U-shaped staples to fasten the wire fencing to the wall of the chicken coop.

    • 10

      Use wire cutters to trim the excess wire.

    • 11

      Refill the trench, packing firmly.