Chicken Runs

Edward Green
13 min readJun 11, 2024

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Get ready to embark on an exciting journey as we take a look at the latest and greatest in the world of chicken coops and outdoor runs. From sleek and modern designs to functional and eco-friendly options, our Chicken Runs feature showcases a range of products that cater to all your backyard poultry needs. Prepare to be impressed as we unveil the top picks in this must-read roundup.

The Top 8 Best Chicken Runs

  1. Zebediah Chicken Cop + Run for 6 Chickens — The Zebediah Chicken Coop is an attractive, functional addition to any backyard, providing 6 chickens with a spacious and safe home to lay eggs and play.
  2. Durable Spire-Design Chicken Coop Run with Lockable Door — Enjoy a sturdy and rust-resistant outdoor living space for your chickens with the ROOMTEC Large Metal Chicken Coop Run, featuring a PVC-coated wire mesh, waterproof cover, and lockable door for easy access and safety.
  3. Large Metal Chicken Coop with Waterproof Cover — Upgrade your outdoor animal enclosure with Tolead’s large metal Chicken Run, featuring a water-resistant and anti-UV galvanized roof, ideal for raising various animals in any weather.
  4. The Hen Pen 8' x 4' Rat-Proof Modular Chicken Run — The Hen Pen Modular Chicken Run: 8' x 4' Rat-proof Coop with Thick, Kiln-Dried Wood and Welded Wire Doors for Ultimate Protection and Comfort.
  5. Gooding Mental Chicken Run — Walk-in Poultry Cage with Waterproof & Anti-UV Cover — Transform your pets’ outdoor experience with the Gooding Mental Chicken Run Coop, an ultra-durable and waterproof walk-in poultry cage designed to last, offering ample space and protection for various animals while maintaining visual appeal.
  6. Lyromix Spacious Metal Duck and Rabbit Chicken Coop Run with Roofed House — Lyromix’s Large Metal Chicken Run offers a spacious and safe haven for various poultry species, with upgraded galvanized steel structure, a protective canopy, and easy accessibility for cleaning and feeding purposes.
  7. Chicken Tunnel: Safe and Portable Chicken Run for Various Poultry — Sturdy, easy-to-assemble Chicken Tunnels offer a safe & convenient outdoor space for various poultry while taking minimal storage space.
  8. Lyromix Large Metal 9.7ft Chicken Run House with Waterproof Cover and Lockable Safety Door — This sturdy and spacious Lyromix 10x6.2FT Large Metal Chicken Coop Run is perfect for providing your chickens with a safe, comfortable, and enriching living environment, while also being versatile enough to be used for various other purposes.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you

Reviews

Zebediah Chicken Cop + Run for 6 Chickens

Zebediah Chicken Coop is like a feathered-friend retreat in your backyard. It’s a fantastic upgrade for your garden, perfect for those who want to keep their chickens happy and in style.

One of the most appealing things about Zebediah Chicken Coop is its extra run cage. This gives your feathery friends more freedom to roam around, just like they do in nature. Another fantastic feature is the nesting box. It’s an appealing and practical place for your chickens to lay their eggs.

However, durability seems to be an issue. The reviews show that some customers have found the construction to be less than ideal. Even though it’s designed to last for a season, some users have found parts of it to be shoddy. The thin wood panels and weak framing aren’t what you’d expect from a quality chicken coop.

Assembly is a breeze, but the instructions provided are a tad confusing. So, you might find yourself scratching your head a bit. But then again, once you get the hang of it, it’s not that tough.

The aesthetics, well, that’s another story. It’s a beautiful coop, really adding a splash of farm-life charm to your backyard. But durability is a downside. You need to be ready to stain the wood and hinges, a task that can be demanding and time-intensive.

Moving it around is a piece of cake. However, its petite size is a bit of a letdown, especially if you have grown chickens. It’s just not big enough to comfortably accommodate them.

Overall, the Zebediah Chicken Coop is a hit and miss. While it looks great and is easy to assemble, its build quality leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a great temporary solution for the younger chicks, but it’s not a sturdy enough structure for the larger fowl.

Durable Spire-Design Chicken Coop Run with Lockable Door

The ROOMTEC Chicken Coop Run is a large and sturdy metal chicken pen designed for housing 6 to 10 chickens. Crafted with a rust-resistant, high-quality steel frame, this coop offers a spacious area for chickens to roam and play. The PVC-coated hexagonal wire mesh walls ensure that the chickens are safe from predators, with small gaps preventing smaller animals from entering.

This coop features a removable waterproof cover made of sun-resistant and durable PE material, providing protection from the elements. The spire design not only looks great but also efficiently drains away rain, snow, and debris. The lockable door ensures your chicken stays safe while making it easy for you to feed and clean them. Designed with pedestals, it can accommodate other small animals like rabbits, ducks, cats, and dogs.

Its versatility also makes it a suitable habitat for plants, with the ability to protect flowers, vegetables, and fruits. The ROOMTEC Chicken Coop Run is easy to assemble, thanks to its intuitive instruction manual and included accessories.

Large Metal Chicken Coop with Waterproof Cover

If you’re looking for a top-notch chicken coop upgrade, the Tolead Large Metal Chicken Coop is a fantastic choice. This sturdy, tri-supporting wire mesh coop provides ample space for a variety of animals, including chickens, ducks, rabbits, and even small pets. The structure’s durability ensures that it can withstand the elements and protect their residents from the harsh sun or rain.

The water-resistant, anti-UV cover not only offers all-weather protection but also ensures that your pet remains safe under its roof even during storms. Tolead’s outdoor cages prioritize ventilation while keeping your animals from escaping or uninvited guests entering.

Constructed from a premium galvanized steel frame and featuring Oxford welded hexagonal wire mesh walls, this coop promises long-lasting performance and protection. Its dimensions of 10' x 6' make it suitable for both small and large spaces.

Despite its high-quality components, the Tolead Large Metal Chicken Coop’s only downside could be its weight, making it less portable than some competitors. However, this might be a minor concern considering the durability and functionality this coop provides. Overall, this heavy-duty walk-in cage is an outstanding choice for animal enthusiasts seeking a reliable and long-lasting dwelling.

The Hen Pen 8' x 4' Rat-Proof Modular Chicken Run

I recently had the chance to try out the Hen Pen Modular Chicken Run, and I must say, I was pretty impressed! With a 32 square feet space, this run offers enough room for your feathered friends to stretch their wings while still keeping them safe from potential predators that might be lurking around.

One thing that stood out to me was the attention to detail when it comes to ratting protection. The Hen Pen uses 1/2" x 1/2" wire openings and tight-fitting doors, along with a welded wire underlayment to keep rodents and other unwanted guests out. As someone who’s had to deal with pesky rats in the past, I can appreciate the extra effort put into ensuring the safety of the birds.

However, I did notice that the run is made of Chinese fir and stapled wire. While it’s not the most sturdy option for a long-term solution, I think it’s fine for shorter periods of time or as a temporary holding pen. The modular design also makes it easy to connect multiple runs together for even more space, which is handy.

The Hen Pen Chicken Run is also compatible with a variety of coops, which is a great feature. With two doors that can be placed in any location on either side, you’ll have easy access to your flock. The optional heavy-duty roof cover is a nice touch, especially if you’re dealing with rainy or snowy weather.

Overall, I had a good experience with the Hen Pen Modular Chicken Run. It’s well-made, easy to assemble, and offers enough space for your birds to feel comfortable. While I’d love to see a sturdier option, I think this model is a great choice for anyone looking for a safe, spacious option for their chicken flock.

Gooding Mental Chicken Run — Walk-in Poultry Cage with Waterproof & Anti-UV Cover

The Gooding Mental Chicken Run Coop, also known as Tucker Murphy’s walk-in poultry cage, is an outdoor exercise cage designed to accommodate pets of varying species. Suitable for animals like chickens, dogs, rabbits, cats, ducks, and hens, this sturdy walk-in pen offers a spacious environment for your furry or feathered friends to explore and play.

Crafted from heavy-duty steel galvanized frames that ensure durability, the walk-in pen is surprisingly easy to assemble. The thick, PVC-coated hexagonal wire mesh provides an added layer of protection, preventing animals from escaping and minimizing the risk of unexpected incidents. Measuring 78.74" tall, 118.11" wide, and 157.5" deep, this generously sized cage is perfect for providing your pets with ample space to run, jump, and engage in various activities.

Additionally, the cage can be used as a protective enclosure for fruit cages or greenhouses, safeguarding your precious harvests from potential intruders. However, users must provide their own waterproof and UV stabilized cover to protect their pets and the enclosure from bad weather conditions.

With its silvery finish, the metal frame exudes an appealing visual appeal. However, a limited lifetime warranty is the only assurance of the product’s durability. Users have reported mixed experiences with the product, highlighting both its ease of moving and its lack of sturdiness.

In summary, the Gooding Mental Chicken Run Coop is a versatile and convenient outdoor exercise solution for pet owners. Despite its occasional shortcomings, the cage offers a spacious, secure environment for a variety of pets and, when equipped with a protective cover, can also be used for fruit cages or greenhouses.

Lyromix Spacious Metal Duck and Rabbit Chicken Coop Run with Roofed House

This large Lyromix 10x6.6ft metal chicken run adds a touch of luxury to your backyard or farm. With a spire design and sturdy structure, it provides the perfect shelter for your feathered friends, keeping them safe from predators and harsh weather.

The larger space allows them to run freely and forage for insects, maintaining their natural predatory nature and promoting healthy growth. The waterproof cover and tall door make it convenient for cleaning, feeding, and spending quality time with your little flock.

Suitable for various poultry and small animals, this run is a great addition to any habitat.

Chicken Tunnel: Safe and Portable Chicken Run for Various Poultry

Experience the convenience of Chicken Tunnels, designed for a variety of poultry including chickens, rabbits, and ducks. Made from rust-resistant metal, these tunnels provide a secure and safe environment for your feathered friends. With multiple easy-to-assemble panels, setting them up around your garden or pasture is a breeze.

Their portable and foldable nature makes them an excellent choice for chicken runs and coops, while the triangular iron gate on both sides ensures easy access. Whether you’re looking for a simple or intricate setup, Chicken Tunnels offer a versatile solution that is easy to use and transport.

Lyromix Large Metal 9.7ft Chicken Run House with Waterproof Cover and Lockable Safety Door

The Lyromix 10x6.2FT metal chicken coop run provides a spacious and stable environment for your chickens. It features a reinforced structure with extra spiral ground nails and sturdy galvanized steel, ensuring a safe and secure space for your poultry. The large, hexagonal net keeps predators at bay while allowing your chickens to roam freely and maintain their natural foraging habits.

This versatile chicken run can be used for chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits, in both farm and backyard settings. The waterproof, UV-resistant cover offers shelter and protection from the elements, while the tall door allows for convenient access for cleaning, feeding, and spending time with your feathered friends. Make your poultry feel right at home with this functional and beautiful chicken coop run.

Buyer’s Guide

A fowl sanctuary — a designated area specifically crafted for your feathered cohabitants to freely wander and explore, is a healthy lifestyle booster for them. It facilitates their organic behaviors, enhancing their well-being and overall health. Here are some indispensable factors to bear in mind while acquiring a fowl sanctuary.

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Size and Space

The fowl sanctuary’s dimensions should correspond to the number of birds it intends to shelter. A reliable guideline is to allot 4–6 square feet of space to each chicken. It should provide enough room for the birds to move about comfortably, stretch their wings, and indulge in their innate activities. Moreover, consider partitioning the sanctuary into designated regions for nesting, feeding, and roosting.

Material and Durability

Fowl sanctuaries can be constructed from a variety of materials: wood, mesh, or a combination of both. Wooden sanctuaries are aesthetically pleasing, but wire mesh boasts enhanced robustness and defense against predator damage. Bear in mind the local weather conditions and the overall resilience of the material when making your selection.

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Mobility and Setup

If you anticipate frequently relocating your fowl sanctuary, prioritize a model with portable features, such as wheels or reinforced handles. Assess the ease of assembly and disassembly to guarantee efficient setup and takedown procedures. Peruse the manufacturer’s guidelines and accessory kit to simplify the process.

Predator Prevention

Securing your fowls from predators is paramount. Opt for a sanctuary with a secure and tamper-proof design, featuring locks and latches to prevent unauthorized access. Wire mesh or vinyl-coated mesh may also provide a deterrent against predators. Contemplate incorporating additional safeguards, such as a secure fence or a covered sanctuary, contingent upon potential risks in your region.

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FAQ

What are chicken runs?

A chicken run is a fenced area where chickens can roam, eat grass, and forage for insects. It typically provides a secure and comfortable environment for the birds while they lay eggs or simply enjoy the benefits of an outdoor space. Chicken runs come in various sizes and designs, but they all serve the same purpose.

There are many advantages of having a chicken run for your birds. It provides them with a more naturalistic lifestyle, allowing them to exhibit normal behavior and interact with their environment. Additionally, an outdoor run can help keep your chickens active and healthy, improving their physical wellbeing and mental state.

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What factors should I consider when purchasing a chicken run?

When shopping for a chicken run, consider the size of your space, the number of chickens you plan to keep, and the overall design of the run. It is essential to choose a sturdy, weather-resistant, and safe product. Look for runs that have locking mechanisms or latches to prevent predators from gaining access. Additionally, some chicken runs come with built-in features such as nesting boxes, roosting posts, and ventilation to ensure your chickens remain healthy and comfortable.

Before purchasing, also think about the layout of your backyard, the height of the fence, and how the run will integrate with your existing chicken housing. Make sure to have an idea of your budget as well, as chicken runs can come in varying price points depending on the size, style, and additional features.

How do I maintain my chicken run?

Maintaining a clean and safe chicken run is essential for the health of your birds. Regularly clean out the run, emptying and disinfecting any wet or soiled areas. Be sure to dispose of any excess debris and remove any uneaten food. It is also important to repair or replace any damaged sections of the run’s fence to prevent predators from entering.

Periodically inspect the run for any potential hazards such as sharp objects, unsecured wires, or gaps in the fence. If any issues are found, address them promptly to ensure your chickens’ safety. Additionally, consider rotating the location of the run in your yard to provide your birds with fresh grass and sunlight. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your chicken run and ensure a better environment for your feathered friends.

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Can I customize the size of the chicken run?

In some cases, it may be possible to order a custom-sized chicken run. Manufacturers may offer this option or provide you with measurements to determine the appropriate size for your needs. Contact the supplier for specific information on custom orders and potential additional costs or lead times for such requests.

Alternatively, you could construct your own chicken run using ready-made products or repurpose existing materials. This can give you more flexibility in terms of size and design, but ensure you are meeting all the necessary safety and comfort requirements for your birds. Remember to research proper construction techniques and consult with experienced chicken owners for guidance.

What materials are chicken runs typically made from?

Chicken runs can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Metal chicken runs are sturdy and durable, offering excellent protection against predators. However, they may require more frequent maintenance and can be more expensive.

Plastic runs can be more affordable and lightweight but may not be as strong or weather-resistant as metal or wood. Wooden runs can provide a more natural aesthetic, but they require regular upkeep to prevent rotting and pest infestations. Consider factors such as weather resistance, ease of maintenance, and affordability when selecting the material for your chicken run.

Do I need to provide additional enrichment for my chickens?

While a chicken run offers your birds a more naturalistic environment and an opportunity for foraging, it is still essential to provide additional enrichment for their mental wellbeing. This may include accessories such as perching stations, scratch pads, or foraging toys designed for chickens. Regularly rotate the placement of these items to keep your birds engaged and curious.

Additionally, interacting with your chickens through play or training helps stimulate their minds and promote stress relief. You may find your birds enjoy games like hide and seek, pecking at hidden treats, or even learning tricks. Encouraging social interaction with other birds or humans can also provide your birds with a well-rounded life filled with variety and enjoyment.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you

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