Cleaning a low profile run- tips needed. *** Updated with Pictures***

[will hunt for food]

Another option is to make it "shed roof" style. In other words, make one side tall enough to stand under. The other side can drop down to the existing height. You can can stand up in the tall side, and use a rake etc. extended toward the lower side. I am about to start on my run, and that is what I am considering. Good luck.

 

[TcherDawn]

What about hinging it in sections, to help with the weight?

 

[Sam The Yam]

That's what I was planning to do with mine, the two section roof idea. I am doing a similar project, where the coop/run is 9 ft long and about 3.5' wide and 4' high. After I had drawn a rough draft I realized the height issue and decided on having the ability to open up the roof and propping it open to allow for stand up room, so that is the direction I am going.
Best of luck on how it's turns out.

 

[OCChicken]

Thanks for all of the replies! I think I am going to make a second opening on the 2nd end to ake things easier. As you can see from the pics I am a little far into the project to go back. I used cattle panels as the main structure and then attatched 2"x3" utility fencing to that, but at 4 1/2 weeks that 2" gap is still a little too big to contain the chicks, so I had to put so plywood down to keep the fro slipping through the gap.

Profile shot of the coop and run.

End view where I will cut and hinge the panel for cleanout.

View of the coop floor and community laying box (1'x3')

"The grass is always greener on the other side"

Most of the structure has been built with recycled or on hand materials.

 

[OCChicken]

Here are a few more updated pics.

End shot of Chicken Run and Hen House

Raised Hen House. Opening at lower left is where I will install a cleanout hatch to make it easier on my back since i'm not 4 ft tall

Access Ramp

A couple corner Roosts

Backdoor, and Access opening

The Ladies and 1 Gentleman enjoying the free time

I will keep updating as I progress, it is taking a little longer than I figured, but heck what else was I gonna' do on this holiday weekend.

 

[Monk]

Nice coop design. Great thread, it will help with my new run. Thanks

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Quote:
If you still have time to think about it, think of this: if it's removable you have to be able to lift the weight of the entire roof. If it's hinged you only have to be able to lift a portion of the weight, high enough to prop it up while you're in the coop. This is how we built ours and so far it's working great. Of course this depends on the materials you use to frame the roof panel (weight-wise).
Cheers!

Good thoughts, but I don't have time to think about it anymore. I built it just a little less than 6 feet tall. I am tall, so I was hitting my head when I was building it. My solution -- to build a little peak in the middle that matches the coop roof, add some lath, and grow vines on it for shade. Now at least I can stand in the middle and reach the rest of it from there. I made it way too complicated. Hinging the roof would have been far simpler.