My coop design and build blog

[Penpal]

OMG! You are a giant! Can we see a comparison with you and the other people?

 

[Rancid Crbtree]

We have turned our attention to the run. We had to work fast this morning. A hard frost last night let us begin positioning big the beams I bought last weekend. These will serve as the foundation for this metal run and in the future when we build a wooden run these will also be the base. Temps this week are going to be warm so I had to use the tractor while the ground was still frozen.

 

[Rancid Crbtree]

I bought this tubular metal chicken run, 8 months ago thinking it would be a good idea. I thought i was fairly priced at $250.

Today we assembled it. Its going to need a lot of reinforcing (including some ridge poles and metal roofing) if its going to support our snow loads. I dont care much for the door either but we assembled it as is and now we can start making it stronger/better.

There was no frost last night. Coon sign was everywhere including right next to the coop.

Im going to have to make it far stronger so it will survive the types of snows we get.

 

[Penpal]

It's nice the raccoons are taking an interest. You might want to sprinkle chili powder or hot pepper flakes all over the place.

 

[Krugerrand]

sounds like a lot of reinforcing ... but your photos suggest you know what you're doing. Good luck!

 

[Sefirothe]

Definitely add some center ridge pole supports up and down the length of it. I saved these pics as educational materials from some locals who had these types of runs in our much much milder winters here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

 

[aart]

Its going to need a lot of reinforcing (including some ridge poles and metal roofing) if its going to support our snow loads.

A LOT!
The side walls will need bolstering too.

 

[Krugerrand]

A LOT!
The side walls will need bolstering too.

that bottom photo really shows those side walls pushing outward.

 

[aart]

that bottom photo really shows those side walls pushing outward.

I wasn't even looking at the snow crush in post #46.
Just the weight of the roof framing and sheathing that the OP has proposed might bend the side walls.

 

[Rancid Crbtree]

Lots of time today spent "figuring" and "pondering" on how best to reinforce the tubular metal frame so it will carry snow.