Cleaning a run with a low roof?

[tara7815]

I currently have a pretty good sized coop and run for my flock but we are expanding our existing coop and dividing it and adding another run so that I can keep some of my flock separated. Our current run is pretty tall - about 8'
It used a lot of wood and wire and I am hoping to make our next run a little shorter. I'm wondering how difficult it is to clean a run that you can't stand upright in. Is it a big hassle? Am I better off just making another taller one? (I know I could probably go shorter than 8' LOL)

 

[GiddyMoon]

We are building one we won't be able to get in either..but I am putting doors at both ends so I can push from one side, out the other. We are using milk crates for nesting boxes, pop out when needed and roosting bars will fit into like closest bar sockets to pop out if need be too..we just cannot afford to build a whole other house LOL

 

[elmo]

Sometimes people make the roof of a short run hinged so that when they need to get in there, they can just lift off the roof.

 

[patandchickens]

It depends what size the run is. A flip-up top to allow you to get in and do things when the chickens are locked in the henhouse works fine if it is a small run. If you are wanting, like, 12x12, it's not going to work so well.

8' is very tall for a run, though -- you could certainly go shorter, like 4' fences with a wire top that is 6' at the peak, or 6' fences with a flat wire top, without too much aggravation (unless you are a basketball player and will spend a lot of time in there).

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[maclady]

My run is only 4 foot tall. I really wish I had made it taller-like 8 feet tall. Your back will get tired from the bending over. I reasoned I wouldn't be inside the run much, just to rake it out. Forget that. I ended up going in to check the waterer, check on a chicken and to clean. Save yourself the backache and make it tall enough to stand up in. We are talking about making this one into a movable run and then redoing a larger/taller attached run to the coop. (& I only have 4 chickens). I guess the hinged top might work out ok though.

 

[ranchhand]

DH just raised the roof of a run for me. It was a nightmare to clean because I have a funky hip- so if you have any back or other issues, make it tall enough to stand up.

 

[flowergirl60]

Part of our enclosed run is only 4ft. I am 5'1 so I really don't have that much trouble at all. And my girls free range alot so the run doesn't get that bad. I stay home so I'm able to "touch up" as often as needed. It just depends on your situation.

 

[ECBW]

I built my run to be modular - 3X6 panels of wood frame and wire mesh. The run is currently 3-foot tall. It has a perch at about 15 to 16 inches above ground. I keep waterer and feeder close to the door for easy access. The tops are light enough and easily removable when a person needs to go in, on so far, rare occasions.

The thought was that if the 3-foot height is too low. I can turn the panels and convert it to 6-foot high run. I found my birds perfectly happy with the height. There is ample height for them to flap their wings.