Build A DIY Chicken Tunnel In Your Backyard
Raising chickens in your backyard or garden is a great idea to get the freshest eggs and healthy meat. It seems like a good idea to allow chickens to free-range, but problems can arise, as chickens may destroy the flower beds and vegetable patches in your backyard. Putting the birds in a cage is not the right idea either. Is there any good way? By building a diy chicken tunnel, you can have chickens working for you while they feel more free and have access to worms and weeds for food.
Additionally, chicken tunnels can be a fun way to incorporate your feathered friends into your garden setup. If you’re interested in building a chicken tunnel, there are plenty of chicken coop plans and examples available online to help guide you through the process. A chicken tunnel run can be a great addition to your backyard, giving your birds space to move around while also protecting your garden.
How To Make A Chicken Tunnel
Building a chicken tunnel is easier than you might think! A typical chicken tunnel can be built using slats of wood and chicken wire. Here’s what you’ll need: chicken wire, fencing stakes, wire supporters/hooks, and a safe wire-cutting tool. If you want a closed tunnel, include an end panel to signal to your chickens that they’ve reached the end of their journey. You can also add a lever door for easy access control, but that requires another panel and a pulley system. Before buying supplies, measure the area you want to cover by designing your tunnel and mapping it out with fencing stakes. After purchasing the chicken wire, roll it out and stake it down. Use supports/hooks or bendable rods to create a dome-shaped top. Attach one end to your coop and consider adding a pulley system for added control. Finally, close off the end with a panel or let it lead to a fenced area for your chickens to roam free.
If you just need to build one, take a look at the following examples:
#1 DIY Movable Chicken Runs
by Kimberlee Bastien
If you’re looking to give your backyard chickens some room to roam, a movable chicken run could be just the thing.
Not only does it give your feathered friends access to fresh grass and bugs, but it also allows you to rotate their grazing area, reducing the risk of disease and parasites. Plus, building your own chicken run can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
#2 Chicken Tunnel Fence Lining
If your garden is enclosed, consider making some space between the railing and crops to insert a chicken tunnel.
It protects your garden from curious and hungry chickens, while keeping them safe and contained. Use sturdy materials like welded wire or chicken wire to attach to a strong frame for stability.
More info: zucchinimom.blogspot.com
#3 The triangular shape of a chicken wire tunnel
In addition to maximizing space utilization for your chickens’ free-range activities, the triangular design of this chunnel also serves as a safety feature.
Its highly visible shape reduces the risk of accidents that may occur with low-lying tunnels, such as unintentional contact that could dent or damage the structure.
#4 Chicken Tunnel Beside Your Home
If you want to be able to keep an extra-close eye on your chickens, there’s a fun option you might want to consider: creating a chicken tunnel right beside your house. To take it up a notch, you could even design the tunnel to follow the outline of your home.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you have children, pets, or predators in the area, you’ll need to use sturdy materials to ensure that the tunnel is safe and secure.
Source: backyardchickens.com
#5 The chicken tunnel serves as an edging for the garden bed
For those with limited garden space, using a chicken chunnel as both a fence and an enclosure could be a practical solution. By doing so, you can avoid the need for additional railings, saving valuable real estate.
However, constructing a durable framework is crucial for this approach to work effectively. While chicken wires can suffice, they may require sturdy supports to withstand the wear and tear. Consider utilizing welded wires for added durability and security.
#6 Place the Chunnel on the Other Side Of the Fence
In a previous conversation, we discussed the idea of using chicken tunnels to maximize the space in your plot. Another option to consider is placing the chunnel on the other side of the fence. By doing so, your chickens would have even more room to roam around. However, if you decide to go with this setup, it’s important to make sure that the fence surrounding your run is tall enough to prevent predators from using the chunnel as a means to get inside when your chickens are out of the tunnel and in the run or coop.
#8 Linear Chunnel
If you want to keep your chickens contained but still allow them to graze on fresh grass, a linear chicken tunnel may be the solution. It’s made with light materials like PVC pipes or chicken wire, making it easy to move to different areas.
You can use stakes to keep it in place, but it’s not ideal if you have land predators. A linear chicken tunnel is a practical and cost-effective way to keep your chickens healthy and happy while focusing on a specific plot of land.
#9 Chicken Coop Run Tunnel
If you have some extra space in your backyard and would like to give your chickens the freedom to roam, this option might be right up your alley. However, it’s important to be mindful of any predators that may be lurking around your property when choosing the materials you’ll use.
Additionally, if you have other pets in the area, you may want to opt for fences with small openings to prevent them from getting into the chicken area. This design like a mini playground for your chickens!
#12 Build a Chunnel Maze
Consider building a movable chicken maze! By incorporating movable parts and portions into your chicken tunnel design, you’ll have more control over where your chickens go, making it ideal for small spaces or specific areas of your yard.
Plus, your feathered friends will love exploring their new chunnel and discovering new areas to peck and scratch.
#13 Underground Chicken Tunnel
This one is made up of cement and connect two sides of a run, providing your chickens with a fun new way to move around. However, if you have large and curious breeds, they may get stuck trying to investigate the tunnel.
If you want to try it, make sure to build a tunnel that’s large enough for your birds. Just remember to prioritize your chickens’ safety and comfort when making any additions to their home.
#14 Circular Chicken Tunnel
Image by Kimberlee Bastien
A circular chicken tunnel is sure to keep your feathered friends entertained and active. But that’s not all! With a few modifications, this tunnel can also be used for gardening.
You can create a fertilization area for your trees by placing the tunnel around them. Just remember, you’ll need plenty of space for this to work effectively. Give your chickens and plants the exercise and nutrients they need with this innovative tunnel design.
#15 Chunnel to the Garden
Are you tired of seeing your chickens confined to a limited space in your garden? If you’re confident that your feathered friends won’t harm your crops, then a chicken tunnel around your garden might just be the solution you’re looking for!
This allows your chickens to fully explore the garden while still being under your watchful eye. Just like with any other chicken tunnel, adding a door can give you control over when and where your chickens can roam. Say goodbye to cramped spaces and give your chickens the freedom to roam and peck to their heart’s content with a chicken tunnel around your garden.
Conclusion
Let’s not forget the joy that a chicken tunnel can bring. Watching your chickens run around in their tunnel on a lazy afternoon can be a delightful sight for both you and your feathered friends.
Now, if you’re wondering where to start with building your own chicken tunnel, don’t worry. There are plenty of DIY options available, and we’ve got 15 great chicken tunnel ideas to get you started. So, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, there’s a chicken tunnel that will suit your needs.
In conclusion, a chicken tunnel can be a fantastic addition to your backyard, providing safety, help in the garden, and endless hours of entertainment. So why not start building one today? And if you’re interested in more backyard chicken projects, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to build a chicken coop.
