Chunnel Project

[jadorsey9]

After watching the Fixer Upper episode where they built the Chunnel around their raised beds I have been wanting to do something similar in my backyard. I started by sketching it out on paper and then had a fence built around my metal coop. The fence is cedar with no climb panels because we have lots of predators in the area. It’s 6’ tall to hopefully keep the coyotes away all though we already had a break in and lost a few hens. Anyways, just wanted to share some pictures in case someone needed a little inspiration.

 

[jadorsey9]

Forgot to mention, the Chunnel is made of 5’ tall welded wire that is attached to the fence with hog clips. It’s staked in the ground with landscape clips which probably aren’t strong enough long term so I will be looking for a replacement soon. The trickiest part was connecting the corners and trying to keep the Chunnel somewhat even since it can bend rather easily.

 

[Tonyg503504]

Looks like a full scale operation there hardware vs 1x2

 

[NewBoots]

After watching the Fixer Upper episode where they built the Chunnel around their raised beds I have been wanting to do something similar in my backyard.

OMG I love you! You are my hero!

As soon as my partner and I saw that episode we wanted to try it. I wondered what we would do it one of the hens got into trouble somewhere in the chunnel or it needed repairs for some reason. Maybe place hinged openings along the top at regular intervals.

 

[jadorsey9]

That has crossed my mind as well. I don’t have any openings except to the coop so if one of my ladies gets stuck in the Chunnel I hope she will be able to find her way back to the rest of the flock! We will see how it goes.

Also, I tried to keep it super simple and not use wood (except on the fence) so that I won’t have to worry about replacing boards in the future.

 

[aart]

That is VERY cool!
Beautiful build!
I hope you keep this thread updated so we know how it goes.

Care to share where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[jadorsey9]

We are in southwest Fort Worth, Texas. I added it to my profile. Thanks for the reminder!

I will keep posting as the project continues. It’s been fun so far but my hands are all torn up from the fencing materials. I should have worn gloves but it becomes hard to grip things.

 

[moniquem]

I love this!

 

[aart]

It’s been fun so far but my hands are all torn up from the fencing materials. I should have worn gloves but it becomes hard to grip things.

BTDT...and galvanized makes for very irritated cuts.

 

[N F C]

Looks like you had some Grade A help! Good job, nice for the birds to be able to get out of the run and yet still keep your garden protected.