Advice on timber size for chicken quarantine pen

[pepsp]

Hi workshoppers! I'm looking for some advice on recommended timber size and design for a run for quarantining new or sick chickens. Does it need to be as heavy as 45x90 or can I go a bit lighter?

Thanks in advance for your help!

@redracer01  @MitchellM 

[StevieB]

Thanks for creating this discussion @pepsp. Let me tag @mich1972, @Caron and @darylhewston to kick off this discussion.

@MitchellMc is on a well-earned break at the moment, but he did share product suggestions for making a budget-friendly chicken run in this discussion: 'Fencing' for Chickens. Our other resident D.I.Y. expert @EricL will also be happy to help as soon as possible.

Stevie

[EricL]

Hello @pepsp

I recommend using 40 x 18mm 2.4m Moulding H3 Treated Pine DAR. This should be strong enough to build your frame and keep your chickens in place. I suggest using Zenith 10G x 35mm Galvanised Type 17 Wafer Head Timber Screws - 50 Pack. I recommend using 2440 x 1220mm 12mm Plywood Pine CC Grade for the roosting box. I suggest drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting the timber. If you have any leftover paint I encourage you to paint the panels and the frame to extend the life of your chicken run. I've drawn a diagram below, please have a look and tell me what you think. 

• In order for the chickens to rest properly, they must have a roosting box, hence a small closed-off area is built for them at the top.
• You can cover the frame with either Saxon 90cm x 5m Bird Netting Wire or Diamond Econetting 4m x 4m x 5mm White Anti Bird Net. Both can be stapled to the frame.
• You can put hinges on top of the roosting box for ease of access. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Caron]

Great advice by @EricL.  I would also recommend ensuring that the bottom has wire as well so that the cage is completely snake/vermin/predator proofed. I would also suggest using aviary wire such as:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-90cm-x-5m-x-12mm-x-12mm-aviary-mesh_p3069974; or

https://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-90cm-x-5m-x-6-5mm-x-6-5mm-mouse-mesh_p3040081

I was advised by a snake catcher who is a regular at my house - that if your finger can fit through a gap, so can a snake, the smaller the wire the better.  If your chicken is sick,  you want to make sure they are secure and protected.