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Run cover - PVC or Polycarbonate?

post #1 of 7
5/29/12 at 12:12pm
Thread Starter 

Hey all - I'm finishing up my coop/run.  It's the same idea as the Wichita or the Chicken Palace listed on here.  I was going to cover the run in hardware cloth and then put clear corrugated panels over them to provide shelter from rain or snow (in New England here).  Question for those more experienced than I...  should I suck it up and buy the polycarbonate sheets, or for a run (not a house/coop mind you - just the run itself) is that a little bit of overkill?  Has anyone had terrific (or horrible) longer-term experiences either way?

 

Don't want to sound cheap - but we're talking like a $65 dollar difference with the amount I have to buy... and I'm starting to figure out HOW expensive this first egg is actually going to be! barnie.gif

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post #2 of 7
5/29/12 at 1:39pm

I'm in the same situation and would love to see a reply from someone with a little experience with both types.

2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 RIR's, 2 Australorps, 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver laced Wyandotte, 4 Cayuga Ducks, 1 Wife, 1 English Springer Spaniel and 3 cats.

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2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 RIR's, 2 Australorps, 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver laced Wyandotte, 4 Cayuga Ducks, 1 Wife, 1 English Springer Spaniel and 3 cats.

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post #3 of 7
5/29/12 at 2:38pm
Thread Starter 

... or even a "don't overthink it - it's just a chicken run" would be good.  hmm.png
 

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post #4 of 7
5/29/12 at 4:19pm

Valid point but with our clay soil if I don't cover the run it'll be a mud hole on rainy days.  My girls hate muddy feet.

2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 RIR's, 2 Australorps, 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver laced Wyandotte, 4 Cayuga Ducks, 1 Wife, 1 English Springer Spaniel and 3 cats.

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2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 RIR's, 2 Australorps, 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver laced Wyandotte, 4 Cayuga Ducks, 1 Wife, 1 English Springer Spaniel and 3 cats.

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post #5 of 7
5/29/12 at 8:14pm

Mt greenhouse uses polycarbonate, and I can guarentee it will far and away outlast the PVC.  In the long run it might be cheaper as you start to replace the PVC.  And, you might get away with only putting it up on the weather side. 

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post #6 of 7
5/30/12 at 9:43am

goodpost.gifI have to agree with 2Old2Crow, the polycarbonate works great and lasts.  I used it over my chicken tractor because of the high strength/low weight.  I also put it over the run to keep it dry and provide some shade, as I used a green colored polycarbonate instead of clear. 

Gifts:

A precious wife, and four boys.

Son 1, AF Acad aeronautical engr, F15C fighter pilot, now private firm in design.

Son 2, Westpoint, medical school, in residency at Madigan Army Med Center.

Son 3, Westpoint, artillery officer, 1 tour in Iraq, and many awards.

Son 4, Freshman St Mary's Univ. Elect Engr, 4 yr Army ROTC and matching school scholarships

Micah 6:8

 

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Gifts:

A precious wife, and four boys.

Son 1, AF Acad aeronautical engr, F15C fighter pilot, now private firm in design.

Son 2, Westpoint, medical school, in residency at Madigan Army Med Center.

Son 3, Westpoint, artillery officer, 1 tour in Iraq, and many awards.

Son 4, Freshman St Mary's Univ. Elect Engr, 4 yr Army ROTC and matching school scholarships

Micah 6:8

 

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post #7 of 7
5/30/12 at 12:29pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the insights.  I guess I'll suck it up and spend the cash - at this point it's all too much no matter what I do! 

 

I appreciate your insights.

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