How do I keep the run dry

[Marshmallow1234]

You don't need food in the coop. They won't eat while they sleep. You can feed them when you open the coop door in the morning to let them on the run. You have to be early, though! They need energy when they wake up, and they wake up when the sky starts getting lighter.

Okay maybe 8 am?

 

[Marshmallow1234]

That question was already addressed. If you are sure your run is predator proof after you cover the hole with a cinder block, I see no reason why you can't allow them to use that space at night time. And the water issue should also be addressed.

I don’t know if it’s predator proof.. I don’t think any predators went inside? And the water.. I can leave it in the run

 

[AntiqueB]

Sunrise here was at 7:19, which was about the time the coop got opened. I feed regularly at around 7:15. They can wait a bit in summer more than winter. They need energy to stay warm.

 

[RoyalChick]

Yea the backyard not that big though:/ my ventilation holes are very small also I’ll add more and I don’t need food in the coop?

Good idea to increase the ventilation holes. Just remember to cover them over with wire so that no nasty predator can reach in and harm your chickens while they sleep.
You do not need food in the coop overnight. They are sleeping and won't eat or drink while they are asleep.
And yes, first thing in the morning you should let them out of the coop so they can access their food and water in the run. Right now it is getting light just after 7am and that is when I go out and release my chickens so they can eat and drink in the run. Usually my chickens get their breakfast before I do!
Then once it gets dark and they go into the coop and are roosted on their roosting bar (the 2x4 wood that was a few posts earlier) then I go out and close up the coop so they are safe for the night.
I hope that helps explain it.

 

[AntiqueB]

I don’t know if it’s predator proof.. I don’t think any predators went inside? And the water.. I can leave it in the run

I leave my water in the run. You have to change it if it gets dirty, though.

To be safe from predators, you need to cover all holes with 1/2 inch or smaller hardware cloth, and have predator-proof latches on all openings. I use locks on my run and coop openings because I have a lot of raccoons around here.

 

[Ann With A Plan]

Yes I meant straw but over night it will become frozen and if it rains it’s going to get wet

Do you have room for a small canopy? I have 3 canopies in front of my coop. They keep the ground dry, and keeps the wind out.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

I don’t know if it’s predator proof.. I don’t think any predators went inside? And the water.. I can leave it in the run

I mean the water drainage issues, not the chicken's drinking water.

 

[Marshmallow1234]

I mean the water drainage issues, not the chicken's drinking water.

Ohh it’s not the down spout issue. It’s because my room if leaking water like dripping water. But usually when it does they are outside where it’s dry and then the run is now dry

 

[Marshmallow1234]

Do you have room for a small canopy? I have 3 canopies in front of my coop. They keep the ground dry, and keeps the wind out.

No I don’t

 

[Marshmallow1234]

I leave my water in the run. You have to change it if it gets dirty, though.

To be safe from predators, you need to cover all holes with 1/2 inch or smaller hardware cloth, and have predator-proof latches on all openings. I use locks on my run and coop openings because I have a lot of raccoons around here.

I have 2 locks on my run