Chicken Run / Pen

Small holed galvanised chicken wire can be used for a pen as it is strong enough to keep foxes out. The pen roof cover may be done with fruit cage netting. Fruit cage netting is reasonable cheap. A fox is unlikely to try walking on it because it is so unsteady it will feel like they are going to fall. There are different types and strengths. The only problem might be with sagging when there is heavy snow. An alternative to fruit netting can be old fish netting (see picture below). If possible make the run roof high enough to walk in the pen.

Woodchip or straw is great ground cover in chicken runs. Woodshavings are best used inside the henhouse. Chickens will easily destroy a patch of grass. Provide something for the chickens to perch on in the run such as wood logs.

In the autumn collect fallen leaves and put them in the run for the chickens. They will enjoy it for a good old rummage. The leaves also contain earwigs and other insects that they love to find, and chew up!