Covered run

[Aunt Angus]

I had part of my run covered by metal. Ot wasn't bad at all since the sudes are open. Here in CA's Central Valley, 100°+ is normal. However, we have very dry heat. It might be a much different story if it's humid.

 

[BDutch]

I have a small and safe run attached to the coop where I put water and food. Its ready made and covered with a wood panel + tar paper. After it started leaking I put a second roof on top. A layer of plastic and on top a left over western red ceder with paneling. This looks better and holds fine without paint for 5 years now. The chickens are locked in this coop/run section from sunset till sunrise.

For there spacious run I prefer a more natural environment with some bushes (berries) growing in the run. Therefore I have my run not covered with a solid roof but put strong netting on top. If you have lots of predators HWC would be a better solution. I made a simpel drainage (a few holes filled with pebbles) against getting muddy.

 

[thepick4uchicks]

I want metal and can get it easily but was worried about Indiana heat? Like would it make the run extra hot or no?

I’m using metal on my run and I’m in Mississippi. I don’t think you will be any hotter in Indiana than I am here. You should be just fine. Maybe you if you have an option of lighter colors versus using a dark color metal if you could use the lighter to reflect the heat more.
Good luck.

 

[Durrrell]

I'm in Vermont. I installed a partial metal roof from cheap recycled old steel roofing material I got from the town's recycle center for $5-10. I built a 4'x16' covered area, mainly for the brutal winters so my birds could play outside the coop. It's also great during hot summer days but they seem to prefer resting in a corner shaded by vines.

I also added a 55gal this pic is during the installation. The run is about 35-40 ft total length. The birds fly over the 4' fence daily and return at night. Foxes, skunks, raccoons have taken a few birds over the years but acceptable to me to not have to let them in and out of their coop daily (coop door is open 24/7) as I live about 2 miles from the coop.

rain barrel that provides all their water needs except during winter when the barrel freezes up.