Chicken Run

[Stuart77047]

I know the coop needs a roof to keep out rain, but does the chicken run need a roof to keep out rain? Would it be ok to just cover the run in chicken wire? Is it better to cover the run and use the deep litter method?

Thanks,
Stuart.

 

[Flock Runner]

it kind of depends. you normally don't need a roof unless the ground has a water proof base and would fill up like a swimming pool. most of the time the rain either runs off or is soked up by the ground. you might want a small house or a wind shield though in the middle of the run. it keeps the birds comfy and makes them want to leave the coop and run around more.

 

[Flock Runner]

oh, also

 

[BlazeJester]

I covered mine because I'm on clay and that acts quite like a "swimming pool-like base". I put down a layer (1") of sand and tarped. Hasn't rained yet since I finished that, but it should be sufficient.

 

[CheerioLounge]

My run is about 2/3 covered with 60% shade cloth over the chicken wire. Of course here in the desert we don't have much rain, so water pooling is not a problem. In the summer, I double the shade cloth and hang another on the sunset side of the run to keep it nice and cool!

eta: image

 

[cmom]

Mine isn't covered but I do have shade tables for the birds to get under in the summer heat and they get out of the rain sometimes too. I have wire around the tops so they can't get on them and poop. Before I put the wire up they would get pretty poopy.

 

[georgiagail]

What we did (in the summer we added shade cloth):

Gail

 

[joan1708]

nice run georgiagail! I'm going to put a "suntuff" roof on my chic run, and put shade cloth over it in the summer. I think it will make the chicks more comfortable.

 

[kannna]

Ours is covered but it isn't that big 6 x 10. It lets the girls outside and keeps them dry. I use the deep litter method in the run and house. Shavings start in the house and then move into the run for continued breakdown. But, if that all gets too wet it can get stinky

 

[DinosRBirds]

I have runs on both sides of the coop, one is covered by chicken wire & tarp, but they prefer the open topped one....
the open topped one has wire in 1' squares to keep birds out..