✨ The Saga Begins…
I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried to pound a 6-foot T-post into the ground solo, while muttering “Don’t get cocky and you won’t get hurt” like a protective garden spell… but that’s where this tale starts.
I’ve never built a chicken run before—let alone by myself—but here we are, channeling confidence, caution, and just a touch of chaos into something sturdy enough to keep chickens safe and plants protected.
🛠️ What Went Down (and Didn’t Fall Over)
A pea gravel border (because drainage = sanity)
Wood planks securing the unplanted edge
6-foot T-posts hammered in one by one (with fear and triumph)
Chicken wire strung tight enough to hold back tiny feathered velociraptors
AND garden trellises that double as fencing (who says beauty and function can’t co-exist?)
Was I terrified of the post pounder? Oh absolutely. That thing has “concussion” energy. But I also felt like a boss every time a post stood up straight, didn’t crack me in the face, and held chicken wire like it was born to do it.
🌿 Garden Meets Hen Headquarters
One of the coolest parts of this build? It’s dual-purpose.
The trellises that keep the chickens safe now will be covered in vines and beans this summer. It’s part garden fence, part chicken protection, part “I really hope this works.”
I repurposed materials. I measured (ish). I leveled (not always). And I got it done.
😅 Mantras & Muck Boots
The whole time I kept repeating to myself:
“Don’t get cocky and you won’t get hurt.”
There’s something poetic about learning as you build—about growing confidence as you go. I didn’t wait until I knew everything. I didn’t wait for a partner or a plan or perfect conditions. I just started. And now my chickens have a home, and I have this beautiful reminder that I can figure it out.
💬 Final Thought:
If you’ve ever been scared to start something new, especially when you’re doing it alone, this one’s for you. We grow alongside the gardens we build—and I promise, even if it’s chaotic, it’s worth it.
🌾 Let’s Talk DIY Grit:
Have you ever built something by yourself that made you ridiculously proud? Or have chicken run tips for a newbie? Drop them in the comments—this is a judgment-free zone where crooked fences still hold up fine. 💬🐔
👩🌾 About Me
I’m Brennan Leigh—a dirt-loving, DIY-building, chaos-wrangling garden enthusiast sharing the real story of growing joy through imperfection.
Learn more about the Chaos Garden right here.
🌿 Keep Exploring the Chaos Garden:
Here are a few more muddy adventures and garden wins you might love:
- 🛠️ Skid Steer Disaster & Raised Bed Build
Mud holes, machinery, and miracles. What could go wrong? - 🧹 Greenhouse Prep Before the Storm
Cleaning chaos, seed starting, and prepping for the next big bloom. - 🌸 Side Quest: Passageway Garden
Small space, big dreams—and probably too many flowers.
Or hop over to the full blog archive and binge the chaos at your own pace. Bring snacks.
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