Chicken run extension in Exeter
Professional chicken run extension services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£210-£410
Typical Duration
4-8 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Extend your existing chicken run with secure, predator-proof fencing. More space means happier, healthier birds and better egg production.
Give Your Flock the Space They Deserve
Chickens are surprisingly active when they've got room to move. More space means less pecking, better health, and more eggs. If your current run feels cramped, an extension makes a huge difference.
💡 Pro tip: Chickens with adequate space are calmer, lay more consistently, and have better feather condition. It's not just about being nice - it's better for them and for you.
Why Professional Construction Matters
A chicken run needs to keep your birds in and predators out. Foxes are clever, persistent bastards. Half-hearted DIY jobs get tested and breached.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Wire buried deep underground | Mesh just stapled to ground |
| Solid frame with proper joints | Wobbly posts and gaps |
| Small mesh gaps throughout | Cheap chicken wire with holes |
| Securely joined to existing run | Awkward gap where they meet |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Plan | Measure up, confirm size, check ground conditions |
| Frame | Treated timber framework built strong and square |
| Mesh | Wire mesh attached securely, buried underground |
| Join | Extension connected seamlessly to existing run |
| Roof | (Optional) Covered section added for weather protection |
📦 You're Left With
- Secure, spacious extension to your run
- Predator-proof construction
- Happy birds with room to roam
- Professional finish that lasts
Pricing Guide
| Extension Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2m x 2m (4 sq m) | 4-5 hrs | £210-£260 |
| 3m x 2m (6 sq m) | 5-6 hrs | £260-£310 |
| 4m x 2m (8 sq m) | 6-8 hrs | £310-£410 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Plus materials (typically £80-£150 depending on size). Covered sections add time and cost.
Perfect For Your Flock If...
✅ Birds are squabbling - overcrowding causes stress and pecking
✅ Poor laying - stressed birds don't lay well
✅ Adding more chickens - need space before buying more
✅ Want covered area - protection from rain, sun, and aerial predators
Why Choose Us for Chicken run extension in Exeter?
Securely attached to existing run
Predator-proof construction throughout
Covered or uncovered options
Strong framework that'll last years
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Assessment
I'll measure your existing run, check the ground (is it level? Rocky? How deep can we dig?), and confirm exactly what you want.
Step 2: Build the Frame
Treated timber framework goes up first - posts in the ground, top rails secure. This needs to be solid because everything else relies on it.
Step 3: Mesh & Secure
Wire mesh attached all around and buried underground. Connection to your existing run gets done properly so there are no gaps. Covered section added if you want one.
🔧 DIY Tips
Thinking of extending your run yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Post hole digger or spade
- Saw for cutting timber
- Drill with wood bits
- Wire cutters
- Staple gun (heavy duty)
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Helping hands
📏 Planning your extension
- Measure how much space you actually have available
- Calculate bird numbers × 1 sq m minimum (more is better)
- Check ground for pipes, cables, tree roots
- Plan access - you need a door you can fit through with feed bags
🔨 Building solid
- Posts: Sink at least 60cm into ground, 2m spacing maximum
- Frame: Use 2x2" treated timber minimum, bigger for longer spans
- Wire: Bury 30cm underground, bend outward at bottom to stop digging
- Mesh size: 25mm or smaller - stops everything except mice
- Joints: Proper screws, not just nails that'll work loose
🦊 Fox-proofing checklist
- Wire buried at least 30cm deep all around
- No gaps where extension meets existing run
- Door closes securely with proper latch (foxes can lift simple hooks)
- If covered, check for gaps at roof edges
- Walk around it thinking like a fox - where would you try?
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using chicken wire (too weak, foxes rip through it)
- Not burying wire deep enough
- Posts too shallow or too far apart
- Joining to existing run with gaps left
- Forgetting drainage - runs get muddy
💡 Pro trick: Use weldmesh rather than chicken wire - it's stronger, lasts longer, and predators can't tear it. Costs more but worth it. And if you're adding a roof, overlap panels toward the coop so rain runs away from the door.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏗️ Ground conditions matter: Rocky ground is harder to dig (adds time). Very soft ground might need deeper posts. I'll assess when I come round.
Covered vs uncovered: Full mesh roof stops hawks and climbing predators but adds cost. Partial roof over one section gives weather shelter without the full expense.
Planning permission: You probably don't need it for a small chicken run extension, but if you're near boundaries or in a conservation area, worth checking with the council.
Existing run condition: If your current run is falling apart, we might need to repair/reinforce that first. I'll be honest about what needs doing.
Multiple birds, multiple jobs? If you want the run extended AND need the coop cleaned or repaired, we can do it all in one visit and save you on the callout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you extend any existing chicken run?
Most runs, yes. As long as your existing run has a solid frame I can attach to, we can extend it. If it's a bit rickety or falling apart, I'll let you know and we might need to reinforce it first.
How do you make it fox-proof?
Wire mesh buried at least 30cm underground (foxes dig), small enough gaps that nothing can squeeze through, and secure fixings top to bottom. If you want it covered too, that stops hawks and climbing predators. No guarantees in life, but it'll be as secure as I can make it.
Do I need to buy the materials myself?
I can sort all materials - treated timber for frame, wire mesh, roofing if you want it covered, fixings, the lot. Just let me know what size extension you're after and I'll quote for materials plus labour.
Can you add a covered section for weather protection?
Absolutely. Corrugated roof panels keep birds dry and give shade in summer. Good for feed stations too - keeps it dry. Adds to the time and cost but makes a big difference to your birds' comfort.
How much bigger should I go?
Rule of thumb is 1 square metre per bird minimum for the run. If they're in there most of the time (not free-ranging), more is better. Cramped birds are stressed birds, and stressed birds don't lay. I can advise based on how many you've got.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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