Folding Run Roof

[bobby2170]

Hi everyone! We recently added an 8x8 run to out pre existing one and we're going to put a roof on it to keep rain/snow out. We don't want to make a permanent roof because our chickens love sunbathing. we were thinking of making a folding roof made of metal roofing sheets and hinges that would fold out when it's raining. Has anyone made something like this? Or does anyone have any suggestion on how we could? Thanks!

 

[Kiki]

Sounds like that would be a lot of work..having to fold and unfold it.
Could you cover half with metal and leave the other half covered with netting?

 

[bobby2170]

The metal is pretty light so I don't think that would be an issue. The only reason we're doing this is protection from the rain and snow so we don't have to run out and cover it up with a big tarp every time it rains. That's why I want the whole thing covered

 

[Kiki]

I think they sell clear roofing...you may want to look into that..so the sun shines through?

 

[RonC]

I agree it sounds like work. I use a tarp that I can adjust depending on weather. Top of mine is rounded like a hoop coop but it could be made to be a peaked roof also using rope to slide it.

 

[RonC]

I did the run out and reconfigure it when it rained. Now I generlize moving it more. Spring it rains and summer it's hot so it stays. Fall and winter it gets pulled back for light and sun unless it's going to snow then out it goes. North wind blowing I pull it down on the side to block the wind more.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Clear/opaque roofing is s great idea. ...best of both worlds.
On our most recent build we opted for solid metal roofing over about 2/3 of the run. ...extending out from the coop. The 1/3 farthest from the coop is covered with wire only. This allows an area protected from weather (and shaded) but also an area that, on nice days, has sunbathing space

 

[aart]

Depending on how tall your run walls are, and which they face in relation to the path of the sun...there will probably be plenty of opportunity for sunbathing as the sun shines thru the side walls of run.