Adding on to my run?

[3KillerBs]

I have one hen that I swear will stand under the leak in the side of the roof when it rains....

*nods*

Teriyaki, on a wet day that was barely over 40F last winter:

It did her no harm -- all the wet was on the surface and she has particularly thick feathers.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wet-hens.1442537/

 

[RojoMarz]

We recently added on to our run. The original run is fully covered, the addition is not covered at all. The new configuration allows for them to still be locked into the original run, or I can leave that door open and they also then have access to the addition.

 

[Boise-girls]

I wouldn't do a tunnel if it was my flock. There's one who thinks she should be guardian of all entrances and doesn't let the Sebrights through the pop door. They have to either get into the coop before she does or sneak around to the people door. I'd be afraid the same thing would happen with a tunnel. But maybe yours are nicer!

 

[3KillerBs]

I wouldn't do a tunnel if it was my flock. There's one who thinks she should be guardian of all entrances and doesn't let the Sebrights through the pop door. They have to either get into the coop before she does or sneak around to the people door. I'd be afraid the same thing would happen with a tunnel. But maybe yours are nicer!

That's a very good point.

It might be good to put 2 connections between old and new -- which would give you more flexibility if you ever have to partition off a section for some reason.

 

[Sally PB]

I am planning an addition to my run, too. I'm planning to make it all open, though now I'm wondering if making it "close off-able" might not be a good idea...

Except I had planned to use the materials from what would be the wall between them in the part, to avoid buying more lumber...

 

[blackdog043]

I would add on, to make a bigger run, no tunnel!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Adding on would probably be the best option (as far as increasing space, avoiding bottlenecks, and reusing existing materials) though if material cost isn't an issue, I admit I do like that fact that my run is split and can be closed off. Good for integration, coop or run cleanouts, coop maintenance, isolating a bird for any sort of treatment or private meals, etc. All with just closing a gate.

 

[Brooks_]

though if material cost isn't an issue

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hahah, well it is an extra cost, for sure. But I would definitely set up a split run again if I needed to make a new set up in the future. It's just too handy even if you don't use it all the time. Like just dealing with a broody-(that doesn't want to break), if I see her eyeing the coop I just shut the gate on her so she can't even get to it while I clean out her jail cell.

 

[Brooks_]

I would definitely set up a split run again

Because it is ....Choice!