15+ Affordable Chicken Run Ideas for Your Backyard

Creating a cozy and safe chicken run doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and some clever repurposing, you can craft a delightful space for your feathered friends on a budget.

1. DIY Wooden Frames

A rustic charm: chicken run with a DIY wooden frame.
A rustic charm: chicken run with a DIY wooden frame.

Use reclaimed wood to build a simple frame for your chicken run. In my experience, wooden frames offer a sturdy base, and you can often find the materials for free if you know where to look!

Explore these options:

  • Weatherproof Wood Sealer: Protect your chicken run with a weatherproof wood sealer to extend its longevity effortlessly.
  • Galvanized Poultry Netting: Secure your chicken run with galvanized poultry netting for added safety and durability.
  • Outdoor Wood Screws: Ensure solid construction with outdoor wood screws, perfect for building a sturdy chicken run frame.

2. Garden Shed Conversion

Garden shed conversion: practicality meets charm.
Garden shed conversion: practicality meets charm.

Convert an old garden shed into a chicken run. It’s a cost-effective way to utilize existing structures, and I’ve seen this approach work beautifully in many backyards.

Some handy options:

  • Chicken Coop Wire Mesh: Secure your chicken run by installing durable wire mesh, ensuring protection from predators.
  • Automatic Chicken Coop Door: Enhance convenience with an automatic door, providing easy access and security for your chickens.
  • Chicken Feeder and Waterer Set: Keep your chickens fed and hydrated with an easy-to-use feeder and waterer set.

3. Hanging Feeders

Hanging feeders: clean and efficient.
Hanging feeders: clean and efficient.

Use hanging feeders to keep food off the ground, reducing waste and mess. This simple addition helps keep the run tidy and is a favorite among my clients.

A few relevant products:

  • Metal Hanging Poultry Feeder: Keep your chicken run clean effortlessly with this durable, easy-to-install hanging feeder.
  • Adjustable Height Chicken Feeder: Minimize food waste by adjusting the height of this practical chicken feeder.
  • Galvanized Hanging Bird Feeder: Enhance your poultry setup by installing this weather-resistant, galvanized bird feeder.

4. Compact Layouts

Small space, big utility: a compact chicken run.
Small space, big utility: a compact chicken run.

Design a compact chicken run that maximizes space in smaller yards. From working with clients, I’ve learned that efficient layouts are key for keeping chickens happy in tight spaces.

May just do the trick:

  • Stackable Chicken Feeder: Optimize feeding space with a stackable chicken feeder, keeping your setup tidy and efficient.
  • Vertical Herb Planter: Enhance the coop surroundings with a vertical herb planter—fresh herbs right at your fingertips.
  • Solar-Powered Coop Light: Brighten the run efficiently with a solar-powered coop light, eco-friendly and easy to install.

5. PVC Pipe Frame

PVC pipe: light, flexible, and budget-friendly.
PVC pipe: light, flexible, and budget-friendly.

Build a lightweight frame using PVC pipes for an easy-to-move chicken run. I’ve recommended this to clients who need flexibility in their chicken run setup.

Useful items to consider:

  • PVC Pipes and Fittings Set: Construct a flexible chicken run with this durable PVC pipes and fittings set today.
  • Heavy-Duty Zip Ties: Secure your chicken run effectively with these reliable, easy-to-use heavy-duty zip ties.
  • Plastic Mesh Netting: Ensure safety and security with this durable plastic mesh netting for your chicken run.

6. Seasonal Decor

Seasonal decor: a splash of fun.
Seasonal decor: a splash of fun.

Add seasonal decorations to your run for a touch of whimsy and fun. In my backyard, a few seasonal touches always bring smiles and brighten the space.

A few suggestions:

  • Outdoor Christmas Garland: Add festive charm with weatherproof garlands, enhancing your chicken run’s holiday appeal effortlessly.
  • LED String Lights: Illuminate the area with energy-efficient LED lights, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.
  • Holiday Wreaths: Decorate your chicken coop’s door with vibrant holiday wreaths for an inviting, seasonal look.

7. Reclaimed Fencing

Reclaimed fencing: character and cost-efficiency.
Reclaimed fencing: character and cost-efficiency.

Old fencing materials can be repurposed to form the walls of your run. This eco-friendly approach not only saves money but also adds character to your project.

Possibly handy products:

  • Reclaimed Wood Panels: Add rustic charm and sustainability to your project with these eco-friendly reclaimed wood panels.
  • Metal Brackets for Fencing: Ensure stability and ease of assembly using durable metal brackets for your reclaimed fencing project.
  • Heavy Duty Galvanized Wire Mesh: Secure your chicken run effectively using sturdy, rust-resistant galvanized wire mesh fencing.

8. Repurposed Pallets

Pallets: the unsung hero of DIY projects.
Pallets: the unsung hero of DIY projects.

Use old pallets for quick and easy walls or flooring. Pallets are often free, and with a little elbow grease, they can become a solid foundation for your run.

Might be a good match:

  • Outdoor Chicken Wire Mesh: Secure your chickens with durable wire mesh designed for outdoor use. Easy installation ensures peace of mind.
  • Heavy-Duty Staple Gun: Effortlessly attach wire mesh to pallets using this powerful staple gun. Achieve a secure fit quickly.
  • Weatherproof Wood Sealant: Protect your pallets from weather damage with this effective wood sealant. Extend longevity easily.

9. Natural Log Roosts

Natural roosts: a touch of the wild.
Natural roosts: a touch of the wild.

Incorporate logs and branches as natural roosts within the run. Not only is this an inexpensive option, but it also adds a touch of the wild that chickens love.

Give these a look:

  • Wooden Branch Roosting Perches: Enhance your chicken run with natural wooden perches. Easy to install and chickens love them!
  • Natural Wooden Logs for Chicken Coops: Transform your coop with natural wooden logs. Durable and ideal for creating natural roosts.
  • Rustic Branch Roost Bars: Add rustic charm with branch roost bars. Perfect for creating a cozy chicken environment.

10. Greenery Integration

A garden oasis: integrating greenery with your chicken run.
A garden oasis: integrating greenery with your chicken run.

Plant climbing vines or shrubs around the run to blend it into your garden. This dual-purpose solution keeps your chickens happy and enhances your garden’s aesthetic appeal.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Climbing Vine Plants: Enhance your garden’s natural beauty by planting climbing vines for vertical greenery and charm.
  • Garden Trellis Arch: Create a stunning entrance with a garden trellis, perfect for supporting climbing plants.
  • Shrubs for Landscaping: Plant shrubs around your chicken run to seamlessly blend into the surrounding garden layout.

11. Shade with Tarps

Tarps: colorful protection from the sun.
Tarps: colorful protection from the sun.

Use tarps for shade to protect your chickens from harsh sun. It’s a simple and affordable way to ensure your run stays cool and comfortable.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Heavy Duty Shade Tarps: Install heavy duty tarps to keep your chickens cool and protect them from harsh sun.
  • UV Resistant Shade Sails: Use UV resistant shade sails to provide effective sun protection for your chicken run.
  • Tarp Clips for Secure Fastening: Securely attach tarps with durable tarp clips to prevent them from shifting or blowing away.

12. Gravel Pathways

Gravel pathways: practical and tidy.
Gravel pathways: practical and tidy.

Lay down gravel paths inside the run to improve drainage and prevent mud. In my experience, gravel is an inexpensive material that keeps the run clean and dry.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Pea Gravel: Enhance your chicken run drainage with pea gravel. Keep their feet dry easily!
  • Landscape Fabric: Install landscape fabric beneath gravel to suppress weeds and improve path stability.
  • Garden Edging: Use garden edging to keep gravel neatly in place and ensure a tidy pathway.

13. Upcycled Doors

Upcycled doors: a gateway to creativity.
Upcycled doors: a gateway to creativity.

Transform an old door into the entryway for your run. It’s an unexpected yet delightful way to add personality to your setup, as I’ve seen in many creative backyard projects.

These products might be useful:

  • Weatherproof Wood Sealant: Protect and enhance your upcycled door with a sturdy weatherproof sealant. Ensure durability today!
  • Decorative Door Handle: Add charm to your chicken run with a vintage-style decorative door handle. Elevate your design now!
  • Rustic Door Hinges: Secure your chicken run door with durable, rustic hinges. Boost aesthetics and functionality instantly!

14. Rainwater Collection

Rainwater collection: sustainability in action.
Rainwater collection: sustainability in action.

Install a rainwater collection system to provide fresh water for your chickens. It’s a sustainable solution that I’ve found saves both money and resources.

Check these products out:

  • Rain Barrel Water Collector: Capture and store rainwater efficiently for your chickens with this durable and cost-effective solution.
  • Gutter Downspout Diverter: Easily direct rainwater into your collection system with this simple and practical downspout diverter.
  • Water Barrel Linking Kit: Utilize this kit to connect multiple barrels and increase your rainwater storage capacity seamlessly.

15. Recycled Milk Crates

Milk crates: a nesting box on a budget.
Milk crates: a nesting box on a budget.

Turn milk crates into nesting boxes for a cheap yet effective solution. Their sturdy sides are perfect for keeping eggs safe, a trick I’ve shared with many friends.

Consider these options:

  • Set of Plastic Milk Crates: Create sturdy nesting boxes with these durable crates, perfect for organizing your chicken run.
  • Wood Shavings Bedding: Ensure comfortable nesting areas by lining your crates with these soft, absorbent wood shavings.
  • Zip Ties for Fastening: Secure your milk crates efficiently with these strong, versatile zip ties for added stability.

Text: Joyce Peterson