Oh I forgot to let you know that our run is finished now and gives the girls added protection. You can read about it here. http://findingfifth.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/the-chicken-run.html
We don;t have as many predators as you do in the US. So I can understand that you neeeded a roof as well...
We honestly thought that Freckles was a cockerel (long legs, flies over the 6' fence, roosts in trees) but three weeks ago he started laying eggs! Roosevelt layed her first egg yesterday.
Oh so glad to read this as we were convinced that our Ancona was a cockerel until he started laying white eggs. She has developed a floppy comb but she still acts aloof, flighty and loves to escape over the 6' high fence to get some quiet time. Yes she roosts in trees and has a great talking voice.