How to make the run less labor-intensive?

[SouthDakotaLiving]

In my first year of raising chickens I went from putting up shade cloth in the summer to clear tarps in the winter. Is there some material that can stay up year-round? Also wondering what run roofing material people have chosen.

For reference, I live in South Dakota, where summer temps get up to 110, winter temps can be well below zero, and wind is often quite intense.

 

[aart]

Post pics of your run, please.
What exists now will have a great impact on what other material you could use.

 

[3KillerBs]

Yes, photos please.

 

[RojoMarz]

We have two runs. The first is wrapped for winter (and will likely stay wrapped for non-winter as well) and has a metal roof. From that run, there is a doorway to a second uncovered and unwrapped larger run.

 

[SouthDakotaLiving]

Thank you! I'm sick today but will post pics soon. My run is divided in two, connected by the coop which has two pop doors. I did this in case I need to separate birds. Sides of the run are hardware cloth but top of both runs is very weak and needs something more secure from both predators and snow. The tarps and shade cloth just go around most of the sides, so there's plenty of ventilation.

My issue is some physical limitations--I was just exhausted this year trying to put up first the shade cloth and then later, the winter tarps. Both required about three days' labor and I was kind of a wreck afterward. I was hoping there might be one material for the sides of the run(s) that I could use year-round. I'm finding that the physical demands of chickens are going far beyond what I'd bargained for. However, I've had only intermittent help from handymen, so hoping I can find a solution to this problem. I will try to post pics soon. I don't have a great camera for this--just my laptop--but will definitely post pics soon!

Im also open to semi-deconstructing the run space if I can come up with something that a would be great year-round. I have a better handyman now who probably can do a lot if I have a good plan.

 

[RojoMarz]

@Cathy Roberts and @SouthDakotaLiving not sure what exactly was funny about my post, please know I was trying to offer a serious solution though.

 

[Cathy Roberts]

We have two runs. The first is wrapped for winter (and will likely stay wrapped for non-winter as well) and has a metal roof. From that run, there is a doorway to a second uncovered and unwrapped larger run.View attachment 3384924

I was laughing about the two dogs and a husband. I'm very sorry if I offended you in any way.

 

[SouthDakotaLiving]

Me too, I was chuckling about the dogs and husband, no offense meant. I appreciate any help.