We've had a couple summer storms producing wind gusts probably 50-60 mph. Enough to knock my tomatoes, okra & sunflowers down but no issues with the roof panels so far.
I really don't think I'd change much... maybe make the run a bit bigger so the hens have more room to scratch. The cost- I honestly don't know. Lumber, stain, hardware, etc. didn't really keep track. We used recycled & reclaimed materials as much as possible.
I believe the roof beams were 8 or 10 foot 2X8s that I cut down. This was one of the most difficult parts of the build. Ideally you'd want a cabinet saw with a substantial outfeed table to get consistent cuts rafter to rafter. I had to settle for a clamped straight edge and my circular saw. The...
I believe the roof beams were 8 or 10 foot 2X8s that I cut down. This was one of the most difficult parts of the build. Ideally you'd want a cabinet saw with a substantial outfeed table to get consistent cuts rafter to rafter. I had to settle for a clamped straight edge and my circular saw. The...
That's a door we picked up at our local Habitat for Humanity Restore. I had to cut it down a few inches to get it to fit. The coop is around 9 feet at it's highest.
The hardest part with the rafters was cutting them! Installing them was fairly easy... I countersunk 4" coated deck screws at an angle through the base of the rafters and into the roof of the coop then filled with caulk.
The only issue with the clear panels is there's no shade in the run @ certain times during the day but they can get in the shade under the "coop". We debated over the clear vs. tinted panels for a few weeks. They're very easy to work with and it does beat heaving shingles. ;)