Best Chicken Runs for 2020

Omlet changed the game when it came to keeping chickens. Their all-in-one plastic coops meant that even those of us in towns with a small garden could keep feathered friends, and this run is no different.

It is walk-in, so easy for you to maintain. It is also fox-proof as standard, so you don’t have to stress making it into something a bit more substantial. If you have an Omlet chicken run, it works alongside it, so they can go from roost to roam, whenever they want.

You can also connect it to wooden outdoor coops with ease, or if you buy the larger sizes, you can leave your coop within the run so they have an all-in-one home.

Another great thing about this chicken run is that you can preconfigure your own size. It starts off at W2.2 x H1.15  x L2.2m, but you can go up to 2.05m height (which makes it walk-in), 7.2m length and 2.7m width. Just in case you want your chicken’s house to be as good as yours.

The green colour will blend into your garden seamlessly, and the door lock works from both sides while being incredibly strong and secure. A stable door will also come in handy when you go to feed them but don’t want them running past your ankles.

Due to the size of this chicken run, it is shipped in two packages – which should give you an idea of just how large it is.

The size is W 3m x L 4m x H 2m (Imperial: W 9ft 10in x L 13ft 2in x H 6ft 5in), but there is a smaller 3 x 2 x 2m option available if you just have one or two chickens. It is all made from high quality galvanized tubular steel, which is very sturdy and resistant to rust and corrosion. Ideal for long-term outdoor use.

The chicken wire is PVC-coated 25mm hexagonal wire mesh with a wire diameter of 1.1mm, so your chickens will stay put and predators are unlikely to get in. A grey roof cover will largely protect them from the rain and sun, and the latch closure on the door is practical.

Reviews regarding assembly are a mixed bag of ease levels, so we guess it depends how handy you are, but either way sink it into the ground for best results in terms of safety.

This W150 x D100 x H96cm coop comes with a 1.4m run, making it a nice length and perfect if you want everything together.

There is a handy nest box, which you can lift the lid off for easy access to the eggs without having to disturb your chickens or risk an escape. 6 compartments and four perches will mean there is enough room for a couple of chickens.

Made from timber, it has been treated with animal-friendly products, although will need regular maintenance to protect against rot and mites. The feet of the coop is covered by rot free adjustable plastic cap, although this does mean it sits up a bit so building a skirt or extending the wire down into the ground would be good.

It comes flat packed, but the instructions for building it seem relatively simple and easy to follow.

This isn’t the largest overall chicken habitat, but the 1.4m added run and 61cm x 110cm nest box both fit together really well in case you want something which is all-in-one.

It has a double nest box, with round perches and a removable tray for cleaning. There’s also a door on the back of the house so it can easily be cleaned out.

As mentioned, it isn’t the biggest. It is best for anyone who will still be able to let their chickens out and roam free range a lot of the time, but you can cut out one mesh panel and extend the run if you have space.

The wood is treated but will need regular maintenance to keep it safe and weatherproof.