Are you looking to raise chickens in your backyard? Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or a beginner, the key to a happy and healthy flock starts with the perfect chicken run. A well-designed chicken run provides your chickens with a safe, spacious, and enjoyable environment while giving you peace of mind that they’re protected from predators.
In this article, we’ll dive into 21 amazing chicken run ideas that will inspire you to create a space your chickens will love. Whether you have a small urban backyard or a sprawling homestead, these designs cater to all kinds of spaces and preferences. From simple wooden runs to luxurious chicken mansions, there’s an option for everyone.
So, let’s get started!
1. The Classic Wooden Coop Run
The classic wooden coop run is a timeless design that fits well in almost any backyard. This run is simple, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. The combination of wood and mesh wire creates a sturdy enclosure that’s perfect for keeping your chickens safe and secure while allowing them to enjoy some fresh air.
What makes the classic wooden coop run so appealing is its versatility. You can design it to match the aesthetic of your home or garden, using different types of wood to create a rustic, natural look. The run can be built to any size, allowing you to accommodate as many chickens as you desire. Many chicken keepers opt for a raised wooden coop with a run below, providing a safe space for chickens to forage and scratch.
Additionally, wood is an excellent insulator, which means it can keep your chickens warm in colder months while still providing ventilation in the warmer months. Depending on the design, you can also add features like nesting boxes, perches, and storage for feed or supplies.
2. The Covered Run for Extra Protection
If you’re concerned about predators or want to ensure that your chickens stay safe no matter the weather, a covered chicken run is an excellent solution. This design provides an extra layer of security, protecting your chickens from aerial predators like hawks, as well as from rain and snow.
A covered run can be made using various materials such as netting, chicken wire, or even transparent polycarbonate panels that let in light while blocking out the elements. This type of run is especially beneficial in areas where harsh weather conditions are common, or if you have particularly skittish or small chickens that might be more vulnerable to predators.
One of the best aspects of a covered run is its ability to create a stable environment for your chickens year-round. They’ll still be able to roam and enjoy the outdoors, but without the risk of being exposed to the elements or threats from above. You can even create a hybrid design with open sides and a covered top, offering both protection and ventilation.
3. The DIY Chicken Tunnel Run
Looking for a creative way to expand your chicken’s living area? A DIY chicken tunnel run might be the perfect solution! This innovative design allows your chickens to roam freely through a series of tunnels that connect different areas of your yard. It’s an ideal way to maximize space without compromising safety.
A DIY tunnel run typically involves a series of flexible, mesh-tubing or wire frames that create a connected series of enclosures. These tunnels are lightweight, portable, and can be easily moved to allow for fresh grazing areas or to rotate the location of your chickens’ run. The great thing about chicken tunnels is that they can be customized to fit any backyard layout.
This design encourages your chickens to explore different sections of your yard, giving them the freedom to scratch, forage, and enjoy new surroundings. Plus, it keeps them safe and secure, especially if you’re using sturdy wire mesh to line the tunnels. If you love DIY projects and want to give your chickens an enriching environment, a tunnel run is a fantastic idea.
4. The Mobile Chicken Run
If you want to let your chickens experience the joys of free-ranging but without the risk of losing control, a mobile chicken run is the perfect compromise. This movable run is designed to be easily relocated, giving your chickens access to fresh ground and new areas to explore.
Mobile chicken runs are often built on wheels or with a frame that allows them to be moved by hand or with a vehicle. They come in various sizes, from small, compact designs for just a few chickens to larger models that can house an entire flock. The beauty of a mobile run is that it allows your chickens to graze on fresh grass and insects, reducing the need for supplemental feed while keeping their area free from harmful parasites.
If you have a large yard or want to rotate grazing areas to keep the grass healthy, a mobile chicken run is a great way to go. It’s perfect for homesteaders or anyone looking to manage their flock sustainably, and it’s also a fantastic option if you want to ensure that your chickens always have fresh, clean space to enjoy.
5. The Netting Chicken Run
A netting chicken run is an affordable and flexible solution for anyone who needs a simple yet effective way to keep their chickens enclosed. This design is typically lightweight, portable, and easy to set up, making it ideal for temporary or smaller setups.
Netting runs can be constructed with durable, high-quality netting materials that provide adequate protection from predators. They allow chickens to move freely inside while also ensuring that they’re safely enclosed. You can set up a netting run in various shapes and sizes, depending on the space you have available and the number of chickens you need to house.
What’s great about netting runs is that they’re often made from weather-resistant materials, ensuring they last through all seasons. They’re also easy to move and store when not in use, which is great if you’re renting or have a smaller property. Additionally, the open design allows your chickens to enjoy the outdoors without feeling too confined.
6. The Multi-Level Chicken Run
If you’re limited on space but still want to give your chickens plenty of room to roam, a multi-level chicken run is an excellent solution. This design utilizes vertical space, allowing you to stack different levels of perches, ramps, and platforms to maximize the area your chickens can use.
A multi-level run is particularly useful for small backyards, urban settings, or areas with uneven terrain. By adding multiple levels, you can increase your chickens’ access to different areas without taking up much more floor space. This setup also provides chickens with the opportunity to exercise by hopping, jumping, and exploring at different heights.
Many chicken keepers love the aesthetic and functional appeal of multi-level runs, as they can add a stylish and sophisticated look to any backyard. You can customize the design to suit the specific needs of your flock, whether it’s by providing additional nesting boxes, shady spots for rest, or areas for dust bathing.
7. The Luxury Chicken Mansion Run
For those who want to go above and beyond when it comes to their chicken’s living arrangements, the luxury chicken mansion run is the ultimate in backyard chicken keeping. These deluxe setups are designed with comfort and style in mind, offering a safe, spacious, and highly functional home for your flock.
A luxury chicken mansion run is typically equipped with all the bells and whistles—think multiple levels, a spacious run area, premium materials, and even automatic doors and feeders. This setup often includes high-end features like built-in nesting boxes, a large roosting area, and plenty of space for chickens to roam and forage.
This type of chicken run is ideal for chicken enthusiasts who want to pamper their flock and create a cozy, stylish space for them. It’s also great if you have a large number of chickens and need a spacious, well-organized area to house them. The beauty of a luxury chicken mansion is that it’s as much about aesthetics as it is about practicality—your chickens will live in the lap of luxury while you enjoy a stunning addition to your backyard.
8. The Urban Chicken Run
Urban chicken keeping is becoming increasingly popular, and if you live in a city, an urban chicken run is a fantastic way to keep chickens in a small space. These runs are designed to fit neatly into city backyards, rooftops, or patios, allowing you to enjoy fresh eggs without needing a rural property.
Urban chicken runs are typically compact but efficient, utilizing every inch of space to give your chickens the best possible living conditions. These runs often have sleek, modern designs that complement your home’s aesthetic, with features like vertical planting walls, modern materials, and even space-saving designs like wall-mounted nesting boxes.
The key to a successful urban chicken run is to make the most of your available space while ensuring that your chickens have enough room to move and forage. A well-designed urban chicken run will help you avoid overcrowding and keep your flock healthy and happy.
9. The Chicken Run With a Greenhouse Twist
If you love gardening as much as you love raising chickens, then why not combine the two? A chicken run with a greenhouse twist allows you to give your chickens a safe space while also growing plants in the same area. This setup is a perfect choice for sustainability-minded chicken keepers.
By incorporating a greenhouse or hoop house into your chicken run, you can create a micro-environment that benefits both your flock and your plants. Chickens can help control pests and fertilize the soil, while the greenhouse provides a sheltered area for vegetables, herbs, or flowers to thrive. This arrangement is perfect for year-round growing and allows you to maximize your space.
Additionally, chickens love to scratch and peck at the ground, which can help aerate the soil, making it healthier for plants. The greenhouse twist ensures that your plants are protected from harsh weather, while your chickens can continue to roam and forage in a safe, controlled environment.
10. The Chicken Run With a Dust Bath Area
Chickens need a place to dust bathe to maintain their health and hygiene. Adding a designated dust bath area to your chicken run is an excellent way to ensure your flock stays happy and free of parasites.
Chickens naturally love to roll in loose dirt or sand, as it helps them clean their feathers and ward off mites and lice. By incorporating a dust bath into your chicken run, you’re providing a space for them to engage in this natural behavior. It’s a fun, beneficial addition to their daily routine and can also act as a source of entertainment.
You can create a simple dust bath area by digging a small pit and filling it with sand, dirt, or a mix of both. Chickens will happily roll around in the dust, which will help them maintain clean feathers and stay healthy.
11. The Hidden Chicken Run
If you prefer a more discreet setup for your chickens, a hidden chicken run is a clever option that keeps your flock safe while blending seamlessly into your landscape. This design focuses on camouflaging the chicken run so that it’s not an obvious feature in your backyard, making it ideal for those who want to maintain the aesthetics of their outdoor space.
A hidden chicken run can be constructed with natural materials such as wooden panels or bamboo fencing, which helps it blend in with your garden or privacy fence. You can also use climbing plants like ivy or flowering vines to cover the run, making it practically invisible while still allowing your chickens to enjoy fresh air and sunlight.
This type of setup works particularly well in urban or suburban environments where you might want to keep the chicken run low-key. Not only does it provide your chickens with a secure space, but it also allows you to maintain the visual appeal of your garden.
12. The Family-Style Chicken Run
A family-style chicken run is the perfect design for households with children or anyone who enjoys spending time with their chickens. This design focuses on creating a welcoming environment where your family can gather, interact with the chickens, and enjoy the experience together.
A family-style chicken run typically includes features like seating areas, play zones, and even educational displays or interactive features where kids can learn about chickens and farming. You can add benches or picnic tables where the family can sit and watch the chickens, or you could build a safe, enclosed area where children can go in and interact with the chickens directly.
This setup not only serves as a place for chickens to roam but also creates an enjoyable family space that encourages everyone to get involved in the care and maintenance of the flock. It’s an excellent choice for families who want to engage in homesteading activities or for those looking for a relaxing outdoor space.
13. The Rain-Proof Chicken Run
If you live in an area with frequent rain, snow, or other inclement weather, you’ll want to ensure that your chickens stay dry and comfortable year-round. A rain-proof chicken run is a fantastic solution for keeping your chickens safe and sheltered from the elements.
These runs typically feature waterproof roofing, such as corrugated plastic or shingles, that shields your chickens from rain while allowing plenty of natural light to filter through. Some rain-proof runs also include gutters or drainage systems to keep the area dry, preventing mud from building up and reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
This type of run is particularly beneficial in regions that experience a lot of rain or during the colder winter months when snow and sleet can make outdoor spaces difficult for chickens to use. A rain-proof run ensures that your chickens can remain active and healthy regardless of the weather.
14. The Chicken Run With Storage Space
Keeping everything organized is key when raising chickens, and a chicken run with built-in storage space offers a practical solution. This design allows you to store feed, tools, and other supplies within easy reach, making it a convenient option for busy chicken keepers.
A chicken run with storage can include compartments, shelves, or even a small shed attached to the run where you can keep your chicken-related items. This setup saves you the hassle of having to walk back and forth between your house and the chicken coop to grab what you need, and it keeps everything in one convenient location.
For example, you might have a dedicated storage space for feed bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Some designs even include small workbenches for repairs or maintenance tasks. Having everything organized not only makes your chicken-keeping duties easier but also helps you stay on top of your flock’s needs.
15. The Pet-Friendly Chicken Run
If you have other pets, like dogs or cats, that share your backyard, you might want to create a chicken run that accommodates everyone safely. A pet-friendly chicken run is designed with separation in mind, ensuring that your chickens and other animals can coexist peacefully.
In a pet-friendly setup, you can have separate enclosures within the same space. For example, you could build a run with a dividing wall or use secure, mesh barriers that prevent pets from coming into contact with the chickens. This ensures that your chickens remain protected from curious dogs or cats that might want to get too close.
Many pet-friendly runs also include features that allow pets and chickens to observe each other from a distance without being able to interact. This type of setup fosters a peaceful coexistence while giving each pet and animal enough space to move around comfortably.
16. The Free-Range Chicken Run
If you want your chickens to enjoy the benefits of free-range living but still need to keep them contained, a free-range chicken run offers the perfect balance. This design allows chickens to roam large areas of your yard, but the space is still securely fenced in, giving them the freedom to explore without the risk of wandering off or being exposed to predators.
Free-range chicken runs often feature larger enclosures with plenty of room for chickens to scratch, dust bathe, and forage naturally. Many designs also incorporate plants, trees, or shrubs to give chickens a more natural environment and to encourage them to explore.
While this design offers more freedom, it’s still important to have secure fencing around the perimeter to protect your flock. Some free-range runs use tall fencing or overhead netting to keep chickens safe from predators and prevent them from flying over the barrier.
17. The Easy-to-Clean Chicken Run
Keeping your chicken run clean is essential for maintaining a healthy flock, and an easy-to-clean design can make your chores much simpler. These chicken runs feature materials and layouts that are designed to minimize mess and make cleaning quick and efficient.
For example, you can use smooth, non-porous surfaces that are easy to hose down, such as vinyl flooring or rubber mats. Many easy-to-clean designs also include pull-out trays or removable sections that allow you to access the floor easily, making it simple to remove droppings and bedding.
Additionally, an easy-to-clean chicken run often incorporates features like sloped floors to help with drainage and keep water from pooling. This type of design not only saves you time but also helps maintain a hygienic environment for your chickens, reducing the risk of disease.
18. The Solar-Powered Chicken Run
For those looking to embrace sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint, a solar-powered chicken run is an eco-friendly solution. This design integrates solar panels to power various features, such as automatic doors, lighting, or ventilation fans, making it both energy-efficient and low-maintenance.
By harnessing the power of the sun, you can keep your chickens’ environment well-lit at night or regulate temperature and airflow with automated systems. For example, you might use solar panels to run a small fan that circulates air within the run, helping to keep your chickens cool during hot months.
A solar-powered chicken run not only benefits the environment but also reduces energy costs. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants to make their chicken-keeping setup more sustainable and future-friendly.
19. The Raised Chicken Run
If you have limited space or want to keep your chickens off the ground to prevent contact with pests and predators, a raised chicken run is an ideal solution. This design elevates the chicken run above ground level, providing extra protection and easy access for cleaning.
A raised chicken run also offers the advantage of better ventilation, preventing your chickens from being exposed to damp conditions or stagnant air. The area beneath the run can be used for storage or even as a shaded spot for other outdoor activities.
This design works well in areas with poor soil drainage or if you live in an area prone to flooding. It’s also perfect for keeping the run clean and minimizing contact with the ground, ensuring a healthier environment for your chickens.
20. The Chicken Run With a View
Why not create a chicken run with a view? A beautifully landscaped or scenic chicken run allows your flock to enjoy their surroundings while providing a visually pleasing space for you. This design can incorporate elements like gardens, ponds, or stunning outdoor vistas that both you and your chickens will appreciate.
The idea behind a chicken run with a view is to enhance the overall atmosphere of your backyard while ensuring that your chickens have access to a natural and calming environment. You can add flowers, shrubs, and trees that your chickens can explore or simply admire from their cozy run.
This setup is especially great if you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to create a space that feels like an extension of your home. Whether it’s overlooking a lush garden or a tranquil pond, a chicken run with a view adds both functionality and beauty to your backyard.
21. The Chicken Run with a Garden Retreat
Why not make your chicken run part of your larger garden retreat? Integrating your chicken run into your garden space not only helps with pest control but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor area. You can surround the chicken run with flowers, herbs, or vegetables, creating a harmonious ecosystem where your chickens help maintain the garden.
This design allows your chickens to contribute to your garden’s growth by fertilizing the soil and keeping pests under control. In turn, you’ll have fresh produce to enjoy while also providing a beautiful, functional space for your flock to thrive.
This type of chicken run can be designed to seamlessly blend into your backyard, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect chicken run for your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking for a simple, functional space or a luxurious setup for your flock, there are countless designs and ideas to suit your needs. From multi-level runs to rain-proof shelters, these 21 chicken run ideas offer a variety of options for every type of backyard and every chicken keeper.
By creating a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for your chickens, you’ll not only provide them with the best possible home but also enhance your own backyard experience. Take the time to plan your chicken run carefully, considering factors like space, weather, and functionality, and soon you’ll have a thriving flock in a beautiful, well-designed run.
Now that you’re inspired by these ideas, it’s time to get started on your own chicken run design. Happy chicken keeping!
