My first attempt at building my outdoor chicken run from PVC pipe and chicken wire did not pass the winter test. The light snow we received last year managed to accumulate on the chicken wire roof, and it collapsed under the weight. On the times it did not collapse, I had to shovel the snow out so my chickens, ducks and guineas would venture outside. I found out they didn't like deep snow!
So last summer, I decided to tear down the PVC structure and replace it with a permanant outdoor run. I build a 16x16 pole shed with 4x4 posts and beams, 2x6 rafters with aluminum roofing and made the walls of 2"x4" field fencing on the outside layer, and 1/2" x 1/2" fencing on the inside layer. I added 3 yards of sand to help drainage. This winter, I wrapped the run with heavy duty clear vinyl shower curtains, covered the run floor with hay and added south facing windowsto the shed doors to warm the coop.
The difference between last winter and this winter has been unbelievable. Taking care of the birds is no longer a muddy, freezing cold windy chore. The run is dry, and the birds are happy! Much less work for me.
Here are pictures of the coop before, after, and then this winter after receiving 28" of snow two weeks ago.
So last summer, I decided to tear down the PVC structure and replace it with a permanant outdoor run. I build a 16x16 pole shed with 4x4 posts and beams, 2x6 rafters with aluminum roofing and made the walls of 2"x4" field fencing on the outside layer, and 1/2" x 1/2" fencing on the inside layer. I added 3 yards of sand to help drainage. This winter, I wrapped the run with heavy duty clear vinyl shower curtains, covered the run floor with hay and added south facing windowsto the shed doors to warm the coop.
The difference between last winter and this winter has been unbelievable. Taking care of the birds is no longer a muddy, freezing cold windy chore. The run is dry, and the birds are happy! Much less work for me.
Here are pictures of the coop before, after, and then this winter after receiving 28" of snow two weeks ago.
