Chicken Run - Page 2

Just chicken wire here.  They go under the coop for shade, etc..

My run is smaller and low (6x9x3h), with wiremesh on top.  It is shaded by mature trees so summer sun is not a problem.  I have a panel that I use to cover the top of the run when it is raining or snowing, so the flock can still leave the coop without getting wet.

2/3 of my run is shaded (built permanent) and 1/3 is open (portable or at least detachable). My hens really like the open run, but they spend more time resting in the shaded area.

The 1/3 open run is easy to disconnect with two screws on both sides and I can remove the portable end run for cleaning out the dirty stuff. Right now, it is filled with dried leaves.

I cover my run with a tarp when the rains come because otherwise they just stay inside all day -- which isn't a big deal since it's a three sided coop, but it isn't very big and they get on each others nerves pretty quick!  When there are extended periods without rain (I really, really do not miss Oregon...) I take the tarp off (it's covered with wire all the time).

I still am preparing my new coop for when I get my chickens in a few more weeks.  I have a small coop (big enough for 4 or 5) with a 10' x 10' fenced run.

I bought some nylon poultry netting on Ebay and was just going to cover the top with that.  But then after reading this forum, I decided at least part of it needs tarped so I ordered one of those clear, see-thru tarps.  I called the company today to see where my order from 12/10 is and they told me because of the high volume of orders, it will be "about 20 more days".   

The run is surrounded with old growth trees so I'm not worried about shade as much as I'm worried about them having a nice dry space.  Anything to get them to want to come out of the close quarters of their coop.

I would think your location would have a huge part in your decision.  Being in Oregon I didn't even consider not putting a roof on the run.  No regrets, they are nice and dry and so am I when I go out to spend time with them.   My only regret is not having a non-covered area for sun bathing.  Mine usually free range during the day but our fence is down for a few months while we do some changes to the yard.  Good thing the run is large enough, but I still wish they had a fenced/safe play area in the sun (when it comes out).  Next winter I'll be better prepared.

Great set up!  I love the sun bathing area

I just tacked up my plastic today on the sides of my run!  I live in Northern Illinois and the winters can get pretty harsh.  I used a roll of 6 ml plastic.  Our run is 8x35 and I ran the plastic down three-quarters of the way.  I left the end open in case they want to play in the snow.  I stapled the you know what out of the plastic so it wouldn't start to tear away.    We're out in the middle of nowhere and the winds can get pretty gusty... so much so that my girls get blown around!  We have our coop enclosed on the top with PVC and aviary netting.  I contemplated tarping the roof... but I'm afraid the snow might be too heavy.  Gotta love Midwest Winters!!!!!

I have clear 6 ml plastic going over the top and sides of the run.  I like to keep them as dry as possible.  They never hang out in the coop unless its time to go to sleep.  Even with that of course the ground becomes saturated eventually.  Its not raining on their heads but I need to keep the shavings stirred up and add a good amount of dry.  In the nastiest part of winter I take large black plastic bags full of leaves and surround the run.  The sun soaks into that black plastic and it really does help insulate the run.  I hope this will be a mild winter.