Michigan

[NovaAman]

I was thinking of getting a heated dog water dish and then just bringing out a pitcher of water everyday when I do let them out....


Ok... I am working on the run. I have the rudiments done, and was thinking I would just cover the top with wire then plastic to keep the snow from making it fall thru... NOW I am wondering if I should just get the plywood instead. I wanted to keep as much light as possible... Opinions please. The protected area is only 8x7. I know, not big, but they will still also have access to the outside, but I wanted them to have an area completely free from snow also. The run will not be predator proof. They will still be locked up in the coop at night. The ducks coop will also open up into the run and they can go outside too.

I just had a trailer load of leaves delivered for it. I have a HUGE pile in my driveway and I am sure my neighbor is wondering what the hockey sticks I am doing. He thinks I am crazy for even building a run at all! Doesn't think they will want to go outside in the run during the winter, and am wasting time. HEHEHE. I am nuts. I know. Only crazy people get chickens and then get ducks just before the snow flies.

Speaking of the ducks now... SO, do ducks need a nest box?

 

[RaZ]

Nova, Have you considered translucent panels for the roof?

 

[chicken grandma]

RaZ,
My plastic blew off and away. What kind of translucent panels? That sounds good. The weight of the snow is something to consider Nova!

 

[RaZ]

You can get these panels in different clours and sizes from the home centres. Found this link: http://www.lowes.com/pd_77559-1115-1413A_4294806362_4294937087_?productId=3043880&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Roof%2BPanels%2BAccessories_4294806362_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

I used the 12 foot length for my patio when I built it 11 years ago. It has held up to the snow load.

 

[NovaAman]

I saw those today! I am thinking about it, but wow! Worried a bit on the cost... Plus, I would have to run support beams in both directions to support them. I was thinking if only I have 140 bucks, I could do the whole darn run with it! AND THEN! I was thinking, they be perfect for making a quick hard sided greenhouse! LOL. I just might anyway. I think if I squeezed it, I could.

 

[NovaAman]

I take it back... I guess at 55 for a 26in panel, I will pass! 140 wouldn't even cover the top!

 

[chickflick]

I use heated water dish in both coops. Take out a container of water and refill. Easy. If they need some cleaning, I take a bucket in to dump the dirty water in, use a paper towel to wipe it clean and refill. Not hard and no spilling. So glad I got power put in the coops.

 

[Chickmate]

Quote:
That's what I have on my run. This will be my first winter with it, but I'm sure with the supports I have there won't be a snow problem.

 

[dianaross77]

Nova,
Check out the tuftex panels on Lowes.com. They are around $30 for 12' panels. I had a chance to check them out when there the other day. They are a nice soft plastic instead of the brittle stuff.

 

[chicken grandma]

Quote:
Nova, Lowe's has clear panels, 26X96 inches for $14.11
Thank you RaZ~

Edit - same as Diana mentioned above. Clear Tuftex.