Should you’re a yard hen fanatic trying to create an enticing and enriching surroundings on your feathered pals, you’ve come to the correct place.
Your flock is of course curious and lively creatures that profit from the psychological and bodily stimulation {that a} hen tunnel gives.
Some individuals lovingly confer with hen tunnels as “chunnels.”
On this article, we’ll delve into numerous artistic and sensible hen tunnel concepts you could simply implement in your property.
Whether or not you’re aiming to boost their foraging alternatives, encourage train, or just add a component of enjoyable, there’s a hen tunnel idea that’s good on your flock.
What Are Hen Tunnels?
Hen tunnels are artistic and revolutionary constructions designed to supply a secure and enriching surroundings on your yard chickens.
These tunnels permit your chickens to discover, forage, and benefit from the outside whereas being protected against predators and hostile climate situations.
Just like a run or a coop extension, a hen tunnel is a semi-enclosed or totally enclosed house that offers your chickens entry to a chosen space past their coop.
Hen tunnels can are available numerous sizes and shapes.
Nevertheless, they usually encompass a framework produced from supplies like PVC pipes or wire mesh, forming a coated pathway that chickens can stroll by.
These tunnels are sometimes constructed to attach on to the hen coop, offering quick access on your flock to go out and in as they please.
The aim of a hen tunnel goes past simply offering an extension to your coop house.
It gives a variety of advantages to each the chickens and the hen keeper.
Advantages of Utilizing Hen Tunnels
Listed below are a couple of advantages of getting hen tunnels.
Enrichment for The Flock
Hen tunnels permit your birds to discover new environments, scratch the bottom for bugs and vegetation, and revel in a extra numerous vary of actions.
This psychological and bodily stimulation can lead to happier and more healthy chickens.
Extra Foraging Alternatives
Chickens are pure foragers, and a tunnel permits them to hunt for bugs, worms, and different treats in a managed surroundings that isn’t their typical run.
Extra Contemporary Air and Sunshine
Publicity to pure daylight and recent air contributes to raised general well being and egg manufacturing in chickens.
Analysis reveals that eggs from pastured chickens could also be extra nutritious.
This research from Penn State’s School of Agricultural Sciences revealed that pastured chickens with entry to blended grasses or legumes have extra omega-3 fatty acids and better concentrations of nutritional vitamins A (35% greater) and E (50% greater).
Entry to Areas That Are In any other case Off-Limits
Should you aren’t capable of free-range your chickens, a tunnel is a incredible resolution that offers your chickens more room to discover, whereas conserving them secure and out of bother.
Whereas most individuals can’t give their complete yard to their chickens, many can share small pathways (tunnels) all through it.
Diminished Boredom and Elevated Motion
Chickens which have entry to more room and interesting environments are much less prone to exhibit unfavorable behaviors like pecking or feather-pulling.
Whereas there aren’t any research (that I’m conscious of) on hen tunnels and elevated train, there are research on horses with entry to trace techniques.
Horse tracks techniques, additionally known as paradise paddocks, are principally the equine model of a hen tunnel.
These tracks usually run the property’s perimeter and mimic pure horse behaviors of touring single-file strains throughout many miles every day.
These research discovered that the horses walked extra, the pastures have been broken much less and will get well higher, and the horses confirmed fewer unhealthy habits like cribbing, weaving, and pawing.
Simple Motion Between Coops, Gardens, and Different Necessary Areas
You could possibly construct one other hen run on the opposite facet of your property or briefly provide up another fenced-in areas on your chickens (reminiscent of a backyard house or your youngsters’s play yard).
Having a hen tunnel working to those fenced-in places makes it simple on your chickens to go to them as they want.
Merely open the tunnel while you need them to have entry; now, you now not have to hold your chickens backwards and forwards.
Safety from Some Predators
A well-built hen tunnel will maintain most birds of prey, canine, coyotes, and weasels away out of your chickens.
Hen tunnels should not usually sufficient to maintain bears or wolves away, so it is best to add different protecting measures, like electrical fences should you dwell in an space with these predators.
How To Select a Location for Your Hen Tunnel
Choosing the proper location on your hen tunnel is essential to make sure the protection, consolation, and delight of your flock.
Listed below are some necessary components to contemplate when choosing an acceptable spot on your hen tunnel.
Security and Predator Cowl
Security is paramount on your chickens.
Select a location that’s well-protected from potential predators like foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey.
In case you have a heavy predator affect, keep away from inserting the tunnel close to dense shrubbery or areas the place predators may disguise.
Shade Availability and Quantity of Direct Daylight
Chickens want daylight for his or her general well being and egg manufacturing.
Choose a spot that receives a great quantity of pure daylight all through the day.
Nevertheless, be certain that there are some shaded areas throughout the tunnel (or connected coop or run) for warm days.
Proximity to Coop or Run
Your hen tunnel ought to join on to your hen coop or run.
This offers quick access on your chickens to maneuver between the tunnel and their shelter.
Take into account the structure of your coop and how one can seamlessly prolong it with the tunnel.
Should you join the tunnel on to the run, you solely must open one door to provide your chickens entry to the run and tunnel.
Should you join the tunnel to the coop, you’ll have two doorways to open and shut every day.
Take into account including in an automated hen door.
This can be a constant option to launch and comprise your chickens with out interrupting your day or commanding you to be house at each dawn and sundown.
Proximity To Backyard
Some individuals run their hen tunnel round their backyard and even by it in between rows.
This offers your chickens the likelihood to eat backyard pests with out taking any of your vegetation or greens.
If you wish to construct a hen tunnel, think about working it close to, round, or by your backyard.
It’s mutually helpful on your chickens and your backyard.
Proximity to Insect-Dense Areas
In case you have areas of your property that appear to draw extra bugs, particularly mosquitos and ticks, it could be useful to run your hen tunnel close to it.
Ponds and marshy spots are inclined to domesticate extra mosquitos, whereas closely wooded and grassy areas breed ticks.
You don’t need the tunnel to be in always damp areas, however working the tunnel close to it’s appropriate for slowing down your pest inhabitants.
Soil Circumstances
Correct drainage is important to forestall waterlogging and dirt within the tunnel.
Select a location with well-draining soil to make sure rainwater doesn’t pool contained in the tunnel.
In case your chickens always stroll by water or mud, they’re extra susceptible to ailments and illnesses like bumblefoot.
Aesthetics
Take into account the visible affect of the tunnel in your yard. Whereas performance is necessary, a well-designed hen tunnel may also improve the general look of your out of doors house.
Utilities
Verify for underground utilities, reminiscent of fuel, water, and electrical strains, earlier than digging to keep away from accidents.
Additionally, keep away from obstacles like massive rocks or tree roots that would complicate tunnel set up.
Neighboring Properties
Keep in mind your neighbors’ proximity and potential considerations.
Keep away from inserting the tunnel in a spot the place it’d create noise or odors that could possibly be disruptive.
Retaining the peace together with your neighbor is an underrated asset, particularly should you’re a homesteader.
How one can Design Your DIY Hen Tunnel
Supplies Wanted to Construct a Hen Tunnel
Measure the obtainable house the place you propose to put in the tunnel.
This contains the size, width, and peak.
These measurements will information you in figuring out the suitable dimensions on your tunnel.
It additionally helps you estimate the fabric sizes and numbers of every merchandise wanted for the construct.
Listing the supplies and instruments you’ll want for the development.
This may occasionally embrace PVC pipes, connectors, wire mesh, zip ties, screws, a noticed, a drill, measuring tape, and a stage.
Additionally, you will want the next instruments:
For a Frameless Tunnel
- Tape measure. Important for precisely measuring the size of the tunnel and making certain a correct match.
- Pliers. Helpful for holding, bending, and slicing wires, particularly when working with wire mesh.
- Wire Cutters. These are designed for slicing wire, mesh, or zip ties cleanly and effectively.
- Zip ties. This can maintain the {hardware} fabric (or mesh wire) collectively within the cylinder form.
- Anchors or stakes. Fasten the tunnel to the bottom so your chickens (and predators) can’t roll it round.
- Paint and paintbrushes (optionally available). Should you paint the wire black, it can seem nearly invisible from afar. Many individuals favor this over shiny corrugated wire.
- Security glasses. Trimming wire generally ends in sharp shrapnel flying. All the time put on security glasses when trimming wire or {hardware} fabric.
For a PVC or Wooden Framed Tunnel
- Tape measure. Important for precisely measuring the tunnel’s dimensions and making certain a correct match.
- Degree. Used to make sure that the tunnel body is straight and stage, stopping any tilting or instability.
- Pliers. Helpful for holding, bending, and slicing wires, particularly when working with wire mesh.
- Carpenter’s Sq.. Helps you create exact proper angles, making certain the framework’s corners are accurately aligned. This isn’t required, nevertheless it does make the tunnel extra aesthetically pleasing if it’s sq..
- Wire Cutters. These are designed for slicing wire, mesh, or zip ties cleanly and effectively.
- Handsaw, round noticed, or saws-all. Used for slicing lumber or PVC pipes to the required lengths.
- PVC Pipe Cutter. Supplies clear cuts when working with PVC pipes for the tunnel body.
- Zip ties. This can maintain the {hardware} fabric (or mesh wire) collectively. It might be used alone or along with different fasteners.
- Energy Drill. A drill is important for making holes and attaching screws or different fasteners. A cordless drill gives higher mobility and comfort; a corded drill will work wonderful you probably have electrical energy and extension cords.
- Anchors or stakes. Fasten the tunnel to the bottom so your chickens (and predators) can’t roll it round.
- Paint and paintbrushes (optionally available). Should you paint the wire black, it can seem nearly invisible from afar. Many individuals favor this over shiny corrugated wire.
- Security glasses. Trimming wire generally ends in sharp shrapnel flying. All the time put on security glasses when trimming wire or {hardware} fabric.
- Gloves. Unfastened wire can reduce your arms, sporting thick or leather-based gloves will prevent from some disagreeable scratches or cuts.
- Marker, spray paint, or chalk. Used for marking measurements, slicing strains, and meeting factors on supplies.
- Ladder or Step Stool. In case your tunnel has a better part, you’ll want a ladder or step stool to achieve and work safely.
- Don’t neglect the supplies wanted for the development, reminiscent of PVC pipes, connectors, wire mesh, wooden, screws, nails, and another elements required on your chosen design.
Step-by-Step Building for the Tunnel
1. Clear the Website
You might wish to mow tall grass, transfer rocks to the facet, and transfer any garden furnishings or tools which will block the trail of your building web site.
If you want to construct up the bottom or repair a moist space, you cna add gravel now.
2. Construct the Body (or Go Frameless)
Create a body from wooden, steel, or PVC to which you’ll connect the mesh, {hardware} fabric, or fence wire.
Connect the wire securely to the body utilizing zip ties, staples, steeples, or screws with washers.
You may as well form your wire fence right into a cylinder and forgo the framing. That is much less safe than framed tunnels, however it’s extra simply movable for short-term options.
Guarantee there aren’t any gaps or sharp edges that would probably hurt your chickens.
Paint or end the tunnel if desired, contemplating non-toxic and chicken-safe choices.
Be certain that any uncovered edges or sharp factors are smoothed to forestall accidents.
3. Create Entry Factors for the Tunnel
Plan the place you’ll place the doorway and exit factors of the tunnel.
One finish ought to hook up with the hen coop or run, permitting quick access on your chickens to enter and exit.
Take into account a number of entry factors on your added comfort, so you may decide up chickens straight from the tunnel relatively than ready for them to return to their coop.
Make the tunnel a walkable loop should you can.
The tunnel can hook up with itself in a circle, or it may hook up with the coop or run in two (or extra) areas.
If it connects to itself, you solely have one opening main into the coop or run, which is normally simpler to handle.
4. Connecting to the Hen Coop
Make sure that the tip of the tunnel is flush with the coop or run that it’s connected to.
This is likely one of the most typical locations for chickens to squeeze by if it’s not securely related.
5. Securing and Anchoring the Tunnel
Correctly anchor the tunnel to the bottom to forestall it from being moved by wind or curious chickens.
If the tunnel has a body, the body could also be heavy sufficient to not warrant an anchor.
If the tunnel is simply wire and not using a body, or has a light-weight PVC body, use stakes, like these used for tents, to anchor it down.
6. Predator-Proofing Methods for Your Hen Tunnel
Be certain that there aren’t any gaps or weaknesses within the tunnel’s design that predators may exploit.
Use acceptable supplies and building methods to forestall undesirable entry.
Listed below are the indicators of a predator assault and prevention on your flock. We even have 21 suggestions for conserving your chickens secure from predators.
How To Improve Your Hen Tunnel
After you’ve gotten your DIY hen tunnel constructed, you might wish to spruce it up so it seems and features even higher.
Listed below are a few of our greatest ideas for making it higher.
Add Feeding Spots
Scatter scratch grains, pelleted feeds, bugs, or kitchen scraps all through the tunnel at random spots.
This can encourage your chickens to stroll it extra incessantly, and it provides enrichment to their lives.
Paint or Stain It
Paint, stain, or end the tunnel if desired, contemplating non-toxic and chicken-safe choices.
You can also make the tunnel match your coop, or change it up with enjoyable pops of colours.
Be certain that any uncovered edges or sharp factors are sanded and smoothed to forestall accidents.
Add Perches
In case you have a tall tunnel, you may add perches or swings inside it.
These are the hen equal of park benches.
They might in all probability use and respect them should you add them in.
Construct a Roof for It
Relying on the design and supplies used, think about including a roof or protecting to guard your chickens from rain, hail, and extreme daylight.
A coated tunnel additionally helps forestall escape makes an attempt.
Add Mud Tub Areas
Take into account making sections of the tunnel extensive sufficient to accommodate a mud bathtub space.
The house must be wider so it doesn’t impede site visitors.
Your chickens can clear themselves there and can in all probability use this spot to mattress down and funky off within the warmth of the day too.
Hold Treats and Toys
Suspending toys and treats from the highest of the tunnel considerably enriches your chickens’ lives.
This four-piece deal with and toy set is meant to be hung up.
It contains fruit and veggie skewers, a xylophone, and a internet to carry treats like lettuce and kale.
If you’d like a DIY choice, use a leftover potato or onion bag or a macrame plant hanger to droop meals and toys on your chickens.
Develop Crops Across the Hen Tunnel
Rising vegetation across the hen tunnel is a superb addition on your flock.
Edible Crops
You possibly can sow edible vegetation that may make fruits, greens, seeds, or foliage on your chickens to get pleasure from.
Sunflowers, sage, lettuce, chickweed, clover, dandelion, tomatoes, and cucumbers are nice choices.
Crops for Shade
Sunflowers, morning glory, clematis, wisteria, trumpet vine, honeysuckle, and jessamine are incredible choices that develop rapidly.
How To Clear and Preserve a Hen Tunnel
Cleansing and sustaining your hen tunnel is important to make sure a wholesome and cozy surroundings on your chickens.
Common upkeep helps forestall the buildup of waste, pests, and ailments.
- Take away any leftover meals, spilled water, or droppings from the tunnel ground. Empty and clear any water or meals containers, and substitute them with recent provides.
- Examine for any indicators of sickness or damage amongst your chickens whereas cleansing.
- Take away and substitute any dirty bedding or substrate on the tunnel ground.
- If the tunnel ground is particularly moist, you may construct it up with stones and gravel or toss mulch or water-absorbent pellets into it for a fast repair.
- Sweep or dampen the tunnel to take away mud and particles. A backyard hose is normally the best choice.
- Take away any particles, cobwebs, or amassed filth from the tunnel partitions and roof.
- Usually verify the structural integrity of the tunnel body, PVC pipes, or wire mesh.
- Restore any broken or weak areas promptly to forestall additional deterioration.
- Look at the tunnel for gaps or holes that predators may use to entry your chickens.
- Securely fasten any wire mesh or openings which may have develop into compromised.
- Should you’ve planted vegetation across the tunnel, trim and prune vegetation to forestall overgrowth and to make sure they don’t impede the tunnel. You possibly can toss the clippings into the tunnel or coop for the chickens to eat. It will possibly additionally go straight onto your compost pile.
- Usually examine the tunnel for indicators of pests reminiscent of mites or rodents.
- Implement acceptable pest management measures to forestall infestations.
- Earlier than excessive climate situations, reminiscent of heavy rain or snow, make sure the tunnel is correctly secured and strengthened. Heavy snow could collapse the tunnel, so wipe it off commonly to forestall this.
FAQ on DIY Hen Tunnels
Are Hen Tunnels a Good Thought?
Hen tunnels encourage chickens to maneuver extra, they provide more room past the run, and are a safer option to let chickens really feel as in the event that they’re free-ranging.
In addition they provide some predator safety, whereas conserving chickens out of areas you wish to defend, like your backyard.
How Tall Does A Hen Tunnel Must Be?
Hen tunnels must be about sixteen inches tall for normal chickens.
For bantams, a foot-tall tunnel is ample. Some bigger breeds could require much more headspace.
The chickens ought to be capable to rise up straight and carry their heads with out problem.
Can Hen Tunnels Cross Fences?
Should you’re prepared to place a ramp with good traction into your tunnel with a mild grade, you may make your hen tunnels cross and even “journey” fences.
This prevents you from needing to drill holes in fences, and it offers your chickens an ideal viewing vantage level.
Will Chickens Use a Tunnel?
It might take your chickens a while to search out, discover, and acclimate to the tunnel system, however they’ll use it with time.
The most effective methods to encourage its use is so as to add treats, toys, and meals scraps in it at random.
DIY Hen Tunnel Concepts: Last Ideas
Incorporating a DIY hen tunnel into your yard setup brings a mess of advantages to each you and your flock.
By offering a secure, enriching, and safe house on your chickens to discover, forage, and benefit from the outside, you’re enhancing their well-being and happiness.
The assorted design choices, supplies, and customization prospects make making a hen tunnel a artistic and rewarding endeavor.
From PVC pipe constructions to wire mesh wonders, the chances are as numerous as your creativeness.
Bear in mind to prioritize security, performance, and the particular wants of your chickens.
Common upkeep and cleanliness will guarantee a clear and wholesome surroundings whereas monitoring your flock’s conduct and well being provides an additional layer of care.
With cautious planning, building, and ongoing consideration, your DIY hen tunnel won’t solely present sensible advantages but in addition be a supply of pleasure for you and your feathery companions.
Wanna be taught extra DIY initiatives on your flocks? Take a look at these articles under!
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