cover the run or not

[ptjeff]

I have just about finished the coop and am starting the run. I line in northern Ohio and am considering covering the roof to keep the snow out. Is there any reason I should not do this? I'll post pictures when we have the open house for the girls.

 

[aquagolda]

no reason you shouldn't unless it will cave in and kill any chickens

 

[RJSorensen]

I think that all coops should have an covered run attached to them. A safe place to water and feed, to keep the coop clean and for its proper purpose, roosting and laying. Depending on the type of waterer you use, and if you get cold where you are, the added moisture from it into the winter air will contribute to frostbite on your birds. Coops need to be draft free and as dry as one can make them. Feeding is always a messy affair, at least at my place and I am glad to have it also out back.

All I want in my coop is the nesting box, the roost(s) and a chair for me to watch them. Nice clean pine shavings with the roost above a dropping board filled with PDZ. As close as one can come to a smell/stink free coop.

So yes, cover that run and use shower curtains or tarps in the bad part of winter, the rest of the time just let the breeze flow through there.

Best to you and your birds,

RJ