Is my mom crazy.
- Thread starter WingedD20
- Start date
Your mom sounds like me...
Where are you located?
I ask because not all snow will slide off that structure. A snow load can take that down pretty quick.
We need more info so we can better advise you.
Is the coop part in the back wooden?
Does it have a wall that separates it from the run so they can be closed up safe at night?
I am concerned that your set up is not predator resistant.
As to covering the whole thing in plastic to keep snow out......
It will need ventilation.
The structure needs to be securely attached to the ground or heavy enough that the wind cannot lift it. I do not think this meets that criteria.
Think big wind sail when the wind grabs that plastic.
I ask because not all snow will slide off that structure. A snow load can take that down pretty quick.
We need more info so we can better advise you.
Is the coop part in the back wooden?
Does it have a wall that separates it from the run so they can be closed up safe at night?
I am concerned that your set up is not predator resistant.
As to covering the whole thing in plastic to keep snow out......
It will need ventilation.
The structure needs to be securely attached to the ground or heavy enough that the wind cannot lift it. I do not think this meets that criteria.
Think big wind sail when the wind grabs that plastic.
Eggs2chicks
Songster
Lol. No. Or I am too. We want to turn our outside garden path into a green house and extend their roof to keep the snow out and keep them drier during the winter. Lol. Now that’s a lot of work. Lol.
They're still going to need ventilation.
How about snow fence with big holes that will reduce the amount of snow that ever gets near the chickens but leaves them with good air circulation? Could you get your hands on some of that?
I'd maybe put snow fence a foot or so away from the enclosure on 2 sides and then she could put heavy plastic on the remaining sides, choosing them to eliminate the strongest winds.
How about snow fence with big holes that will reduce the amount of snow that ever gets near the chickens but leaves them with good air circulation? Could you get your hands on some of that?
I'd maybe put snow fence a foot or so away from the enclosure on 2 sides and then she could put heavy plastic on the remaining sides, choosing them to eliminate the strongest winds.
I highly suggest hard cloth with 1/4in pattern. I personally use this at 16 gauge and it blocks out the snow wonderfully while allowing air to pass through.
I had tarps over sections of my runs until I built a roof over it. Saved me a whole lot of work shoveling out the chickens! I was diligent about removing snow from the tarps though, as the load can and will collapse the structure. If I were you (or her) I'd make sure you do the same 
Hi, I see you've been a member since 2017. Have your chickens been in that coop since then? No, I don't think your mom is crazy. I think she wants to protect either the hens or her investment, or both. Now, MY mom was a little over the top, she wanted to knit my chickens sweaters when she first moved out to the country next to my first flock!
Not crazy....but leave at least the end open for ventilation. Other concerns posted above are valid.
Thinks that's steep enough to shed snow pretty well....but agrees that more info would be good.
@KittyKat8828 Wonders where you get 16ga 1/4" Hardware Cloth?
Yes the angle is good but the pvc structure has no cross supports. I am thinking IF snow starts to build up it won't take much to collapse it.
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