Covering 20x30 dog kennel run

[Kelster65]

Snow load might not be a major issue for ya, but definitely keep it in mind with whatever you decide to build.

Thank you. I'm in KY and we do get snow, sometimes quite a bit. I think cyloncj is in Michigan.

 

[FunClucks]

Might consider a greenhouse frame to deal with snow load. They are pointed at the top or rounded - basically top rail or chain link tubing with a roof support. Integration of a greenhouse frame with existing chain link panels might be interesting, but I thought I'd mention it. I did this in Alabama (no snow load, but occasional wind and tornadoes). If i had snow load, I'd definitely be adding interior columns to support the roof. I wish I'd put the hardware cloth over a chain link base for more strength, but so far it's working great. I think there's at least a couple members that have bent their own chain link fence poles and made curved or pointed roofs over chain link panels or similar.

 

[mowin]

Might consider a greenhouse frame to deal with snow load. They are pointed at the top or rounded - basically top rail or chain link tubing with a roof support. Integration of a greenhouse frame with existing chain link panels might be interesting, but I thought I'd mention it. I did this in Alabama (no snow load, but occasional wind and tornadoes). If i had snow load, I'd definitely be adding interior columns to support the roof. I wish I'd put the hardware cloth over a chain link base for more strength, but so far it's working great. I think there's at least a couple members that have bent their own chain link fence poles and made curved or pointed roofs over chain link panels or similar.

I think that would be a tall chore as the run is 20' wide.
Cattle panel hoops would work also on a 8-10' wide run. Supporting something 20' wide with a DIY approach definitely has its challenges. Lol

 

[CylonCJ]

I’m wondering if 10’ t posts placed around the perimeter of the run could hold up fabric aviary netting? I would cover the coop area with a metal roof and 10’ 4”x4”wood beams cemented in as a frame for that part that would be like a pergola style area. I’ve never worked with 10’ t posts so not sure if they are stable enough. Just trying avoid digging and cementing in wood posts all around the perimeter. I think snow would go through the aviary netting okay without a lot of heavy build up. I could also add a few middle supports in the run. Attached is a very rudimentary sketch of what I’m thinking…

 

[CylonCJ]

I’m wondering if 10’ t posts placed around the perimeter of the run could hold up fabric aviary netting? I would cover the coop area with a metal roof and 10’ 4”x4”wood beams cemented in as a frame for that part that would be like a pergola style area. I’ve never worked with 10’ t posts so not sure if they are stable enough. Just trying avoid digging and cementing in wood posts all around the perimeter. I think snow would go through the aviary netting okay without a lot of heavy build up. I could also add a few middle supports in the run. Attached is a very rudimentary sketch of what I’m thinking…

I should add that I would put a hot wire around the top for raccoons!

 

[mowin]

I’m wondering if 10’ t posts placed around the perimeter of the run could hold up fabric aviary netting? I would cover the coop area with a metal roof and 10’ 4”x4”wood beams cemented in as a frame for that part that would be like a pergola style area. I’ve never worked with 10’ t posts so not sure if they are stable enough. Just trying avoid digging and cementing in wood posts all around the perimeter. I think snow would go through the aviary netting okay without a lot of heavy build up. I could also add a few middle supports in the run. Attached is a very rudimentary sketch of what I’m thinking…

You would be surprised how fast snow builds up on netting. Doesn't take much for it to fail if it's not supported correctly or too light a netting.

 

[Goingone]

Hi there! We inherited a 20x30 dog kennel chicken run and I just put a new coop in it and now want to cover it but I want to have it be predator proof. My main concern is raccoons! I have some corrugated metal sheeting I want to put over the coop in the run to keep it out of the elements but I’m having trouble figuring out how to cover the entire run and have it be predator proof. I want to use some kind of hardware cloth (I added a 1/2 inch skirt to the bottom of the run) but the run is so wide it would sag. I’ve seen people use pvc to arch over the top but again it’s so wide this seems unlikely I can do this. Am I going to have to use wood and dig in support beams to really make a stable roof? Any help or ideas are appreciated! I added a couple pictures of the space.

Yes, you will need a stronger base when planning to attach a roof, those dog kennels aren’t designed to handle any top weight.

 

[CylonCJ]

You would be surprised how fast snow builds up on netting. Doesn't take much for it to fail if it's not supported correctly or too light a netting.

Below is a picture of what I got! My dog kennel fence is pretty solid. It’s all attached to t posts that are placed on the inside and outside of the fencing at about 5’ intervals. I think if I did the 10’ t posts in the corners/around the perimeter and had a center wood beam that was cemented in it would hold up okay! Fingers crossed anyway!

 

[Goingone]

Below is a picture of what I got! My dog kennel fence is pretty solid. It’s all attached to t posts that are placed on the inside and outside of the fencing at about 5’ intervals. I think if I did the 10’ t posts in the corners/around the perimeter and had a center wood beam that was cemented in it would hold up okay! Fingers crossed anyway!

Sounds great!

 

[CylonCJ]

In following this as I have the same issue. My run is a 20x30 Kennel also, only not perfectly shaped. It's inside the back yard fence and I have 5 dogs that pretty much keep critters at bay - but my birds haven't started laying yet either. I bought some t-post top netting supports from Amazon and am in search of some tall tposts to use - I have netting but haven't put it up yet. My run is currently open with 2 large trees inside it. Makes for great shade but a little difficult for a roof. I've got netting along all sides, electric at the bottom, just nothing overhead yet. Like you, I'm handy but the thought of a full on frame, etc., is real intimidating. I'll have snow too.

Sounds like we have the exact same issues! I’ll keep you posted on what I try and what works and what doesn’t