Easy access 4' high run idea

[dirtybug]

new to the board here and for those of you that read my other post you know I'm not even in a town that allows chickens, anyway I have an idea for a 4' high run area to save on fencing cost but still allows easy access for cleaning without having to crawl. Hopefully my drawings show up.
Basically it would be 4' high and I think the max width would have to be 12' or less due to available lumber, length doesnt matter. the side walls are normal 2x4 framed, end wall is a swing open gate. the top covering would be independently framed 2x4 roof covered in whatever wire you want (deer net?) the roof is attached to the coop with hinges and then hinges in the center, a cable and weight makes it easier to lift.
pic 1 is closed, pic 2 is half open.

 

[smom1976]

I kinda understand .. is the tall board on the left side a fence? and this is a run or a coop.

And just to mention my coop is 4 feet hight plus 6 inches for the roof rafter that was split diagnal.. anyway.. it really isnt that awkward to go into and work clean what ever... the eggs are retrieved from the outside of the coop so I dont have to go in that often.. but this is a good idea.

 

[dirtybug]

I wasn;t sure if the drawings where good enough.
The tall line on the left would be the coop (I'm thinking shed size) and the run would be 4' high and the roof of the run is the part that hinges up to allow you to walk in and rake, clean etc.. so basically when the roof is "up" your left with just the side walls. I imagine this could work well for a coop also. If the weights are used the whole roof can lift effortlessly.
sorry my art skills suck. I can see it in my head though

 

[Eliz]

That is a good idea. I have an old dog pen area that is going to be the run. My problem is that it is only 3 1/2 maybe 4 foot tall.

I was looking for some way to keep the current height but like you don't want to crawl around if I want to go in and rake or something.

 

[dirtybug]

Here's a more 3D version. Imagine the whole roof of a run hinging up against the coop, but having a hinge in the midle of the roof to its standing 8' above the sides instead of 16'

 

[Bossroo]

I built a structure very similar to your idea about 20 years ago. The local 'coon taught it was a buffet cover and helped himself to a nice chicken dinner. The 2x4s were not heavy enough. Anything heavier and it is too heavy for a person to handle.

 

[dirtybug]

I'm sorry to hear that, I was thinking it would have some type of locks or something to secure it down at the end and also in the center.

 

[smom1976]

that is neat.. I would love to see it compleated...

so get to it..

LOL JK

 

[dirtybug]

Quote:
Oh I'll be sure to post pics when I'm done, just give me about 18 months, I still need to sell my house and buy a home in the burbs where they'll let me have chickens.