Almost done, need advice on run please?

[Isisranch]

I finally finished the coop part and managed to finish my peace symbol on the side (priorities). Below is a picture of the space I have available and I am needing to figure out where to set the coop and a run. You can see from the pictures that I have a lot of room, the large barn door faces west so the heavy cold winds come from the north out here. Suggestions?

I am thinking about pvc for the run, yea or nay?

Proposed area on south of barn

Thanks for all your help!

 

[funkychicken]

well... in my experience with pvc(not chickens) the one concern would be that pvc tends to sag(mostly due to sun exposure) over time and also unless you have it or get it free it is quite costly...I would say use something else and use that pvc for feeders

 

[patandchickens]

My impression is that the main reason to use pvc in a run is b/c it is lightweight, relatively cheap, and comes in long pieces. However it does not last forever in U/V, you need the heavy-duty stuff, and (here is the big thing) I am worried how it would stand up to wind over the long term in an exposed site like you've got. If you want to use something along those lines, you might look into the horse panel type runs instead; you might get more longterm satisfaction out of something like that.

Mind, I have never used either of them for runs myself, so this is just theory based on what others have said.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[LynneP]

Gosh, are you in a position to put the coop in the larger building and have a run which is partly indoors leading to outside? You could have your feed and utensil storage indoors, dry. We have similar winters with snow and harsh winds and we build our coop inside our barn. It's worked well, it's easy to service the birds and cosy! Not sure if that's what you had in mind, but both you and the birds would be so comfortable all year long if you could do that!

About the materials for the run- I'd use 1/2" hardware cloth and roof it, too. You have some major predators.

Peace

 

[Isisranch]

Quote:
I hadn't thought about that. I was going to just put it on the side. I have that 32 feet there on one side that is open, half right now is being used by pigs and the other side is a horse shelter which they never use. However, I could possibly put the coop inside the barn and the run as well? They would still basically be outside but inside? Does that make sense? I could put it along that back wall of the barn with the coop in the corner. I usually pile winter hay there but I could stack the hay on the west side of the coop and run for added protection. Do they smell much?