Does my run need a solid roof?

[Chickentender7]

In the process of building a larger run, roofing materials are just not in the budget right now. Can I get by with just hardware cloth for the roof to protect from aerial predators? At least for a year or so until we can add roof panels?
We get rain and snow but not astronomical amounts. Our flooring is sand.
If this will work, to provide some shade and a little protection from rain could I just use a tarp in part of the run?

 

[rosemarythyme]

You don't "need" a roof however it's obviously more protection from predators and climate. Depending on your climate and soil conditions, sand as litter may not be a good option without a roof in place.

Also be aware that snow is very heavy and will build up easily on something like hardware cloth, so not sure how much you get (not sure what "not astronomical" equals" nor how well you've structured the run to deal with the weight if it does build up.

 

[Poppy Putentake]

One idea:

If you made the top of the run "house shaped" (sloped like the roof of a house), and you put polyethylene sheeing on it, it would shed snow.

If you enclosed most of the sides also with polyethylene sheeting (with lots of ventilation area also) it would be something like a little greenhouse in the winter -- a bit warmer and protected from wind and rain.