Chain link Chicken run? Roof?

[kukupecpec]

I have been looking at using chain link panels for dig runs to make a large chicken run for my ladies. They have been free ranging in the back yard, but they are getting brave and getting too close to the short fence by the street and it worries me. To make sure they are safe, I will need some sort of roof on the run.
Are chain link panels OK for a chicken run? We haven't had any problem with predators. There are a few stray cats in the neighborhood, but they have never come in our yard and the girls are all locked up in their coop at night.
Any ideas for a roof or cover on the run? I would like to plant some sort of thick vine plant, maybe grapes, to cover the chain link and provide extra shade in the desert heat.
Any ideas and help would be great!

 

[silky ma]

You can use them but take no chances. A passing animal can and will try to pull a gal right thru thre openings in and around the fence. So I would add to the sides 4 foot high small square poultry fencing. You can tie it off with slip ties. rats and mice will go right thru the fencing so keep bedding and food well stored.

 

[Weenlavs]

Chian link is great as long as u install proper suports. Snow load is not an issue but the weight of the vines will be. And as far as predetors? Bobcat, coyeotes, hawks,eagels,coon. Wont bother through chain link.

 

[Imp]

I have a chainlink run. Raccoons can reach in and pull the chickens out piece by piece. Hasn't happened to me, and I have plenty of raccoons around. Like you said, my chickens are in the coop at night.
I have seen it posted that larger predators can break threw the edges of the chainlink where the soft wire attaches the fence to the frame, so it is necessary to reinforce. And I've had small animals wiggle threw where the rounded corners are (possums) and even smaller (baby possums & rats) straight threw the fence. I have a chainlink floor, and ceiling as well. The back of it has clear corrugated fiberglass panels over the chainlink, and I'm planning on walling the back so it will be more protected in the winter. You can see some extra posts to hold everything up and level.
I just expanded it a couple weeks ago. Here's a pic just before I got done.

 

[Weenlavs]

Thats **** near bear proff nice job! Iwould have like to have seen
a barried wire and board to keep stuff out. Where is the hen house?
Shouldnt have to worry about any critters other than weasels or mink
getting through chainlink!