Covered chicken Run?

[jrob712]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forums and am building our first coop. I built a coop for my mom when I was much younger but now this one is for my family! We are really excited about this new adventure!

My question would be regarding my coop design. I'm building this coop with pallets and other reclaimed materials since lumber prices are so high and we are new to backyard chickens. So the design is based on the size of available materials.

You'll see in the photo I've got a long run planned but have never thought to ask if it'd be best for that run to be covered. It's all open with hardware cloth on the walls and top but it would not be hard for me to add some tin roof on top for rain and sun protection. What are the pros and cons here? Is it even something I should be worried about? Any suggestions are welcomed! I'll post more photos below of my progress.

 

[Lor]

I find it helpful to have cover over the run during bad weather. Dry area from rain or snow.
This way they are less likely to spend that time inside.
You could just cover half the run, the part closest to the coop.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forums and am building our first coop. I built a coop for my mom when I was much younger but now this one is for my family! We are really excited about this new adventure!

My question would be regarding my coop design. I'm building this coop with pallets and other reclaimed materials since lumber prices are so high and we are new to backyard chickens. So the design is based on the size of available materials.

You'll see in the photo I've got a long run planned but have never thought to ask if it'd be best for that run to be covered. It's all open with hardware cloth on the walls and top but it would not be hard for me to add some tin roof on top for rain and sun protection. What are the pros and cons here? Is it even something I should be worried about? Any suggestions are welcomed! I'll post more photos below of my progress.

I'd cover it but you'll certainly want to pitch the roof.

 

[DramaBrahmaMama]

We have to do a run due to location. We are coming off the front of coop and doing a pitch. (With tin) It will be 7 ft high at coop and 5 ft at the other end. Hopefully that's enough. But it's also giving us a little piece of mind about the bird flu....

 

[wamtazlady]

I live in Montana where we get lots of snow. Having the run covered means the birds spend the winter days outside. It's so much better for them.

 

[Sally PB]

I've got a long run planned but have never thought to ask if it'd be best for that run to be covered. It's all open with hardware cloth on the walls and top but it would not be hard for me to add some tin roof on top for rain and sun protection. What are the pros and cons here? Is it even something I should be worried about?

I would cover it, and add a pitch, as @DobieLover said, to shed rain. If it's covered, they have shade, protection from rain, and protection from aerial predators. It will also keep wild bird poop from falling in, which is a concern now with Avian Influenza circulating amongst wild birds.

Are you planning to make it tall enough for you to stand up in ? Your back will thank you if you do.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I live in Montana where we get lots of snow. Having the run covered means the birds spend the winter days outside. It's so much better for them.

I agree. They are much happier, imo, and will have fewer behavioral issues if able to get out of the coop.

We get some snow, but we also have very hot summers. The shade our covered run provides is hugely beneficial then, too.

 

[jrob712]

That's a nice sketch for sure. I'm building a chicken tractor now. The bit of advice I'd give is 1) don't count on your cut list from the drawings. 2) Once you've started, measure twice, mark cuts, then measure again!

Thank you for the advice! It’s coming along slowly but surely as I find time!

 

[mowin]

Covered would be best. How many chicken's do you plan on getting? And what's your general location? Local weather conditions can use vastly different designs.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

My opinion is that the house is priority, run is so dependent on your own property. If you're on acreage and plan to let them do a lot of free-range like me, I don't know what I'd ever use a run for. On the other hand if not and the run IS their outdoor existence, that's a way different scenario. My coop house has big eve's, over-hang to keep food dry and provide dust bath dryness. I can't really call the 6ft. chain link kennel that surrounds the house a run, but it's protection from bear and coyote at night, I leave the door open all day while they run around about 4 acres of woods. I've wondered about Eagle, Owl and Hawks dropping into the kennel since it's not covered but so far so good (12years,) I think probably my dogs discourage even flying predators.....