Considering an open air coop

[Beaker99]

How do you prevent the bedding from getting soaking wet in rain? (4-6 hours of severe weather is not uncommon here).

Do you cover it in winter to keep it warm?
We average below freezing at night for about 10 weeks and usually have a week or two of bitter cold (0-15 F).

Spring and fall are mild but wet and summers are hot and humid.

Thanks all.

 

[McChooky]

I cover half my run with a tarp and in rainy weather or snow I cover it all.Wood chips are good in a run.It won't get muddy and easy to walk on.Chickens don't like rain or snow and will only get out if you throw out some straw for them to walk on if you don't cover it.Edit:They track all that mess inside and get the eggs dirty

 

[aart]

How do you prevent the bedding from getting soaking wet in rain? (4-6 hours of severe weather is not uncommon here).

A very large roof overhang should keep most of it out.
Half walls, at least around the roost and feed areas, might be a good plan.

Do you cover it in winter to keep it warm?
We average below freezing at night for about 10 weeks and usually have a week or two of bitter cold (0-15 F).

Design/build removable panels to install in winter to block snow and winter winds.
Or you could use heavy plastic to cover most the mesh walls.