Need a new, improved run. Pics please!

[Ccort]

Hi all!

My first run has been a headache and its time for a redo.

I am looking to build a 10*12 with wood, hardware cloth and a covered roof. I want a slanted roof that can withstand the weight of a potential few inches of snow/ice as well as large beaches that might fall. NO MORE TARP on the top!

Further, I CANNOT dig into the ground so I need to know how to make this stable on the ground since digging holes and pouring concrete won't work. I plan to have a hardware cloth apron going out each side by 2 feet. I would also like a way to keep snow/rain from coming in the sides. That's a current issue I've had, resulting in mold within the run. I do NOT have the money for a concrete floor.

So...please...suggestions and photos of you run if you think it may work.

1. What roof material should I use?

2. What can I do to the sides to prevent rain and snow from pouring in? Any photos I see always show fully open sides. I currently put tarp around the sides, about four feet up during the winter months. During summer, it's not an issue. But would also like to keep light coming in.

3. How can I secure the structure to the ground so high winds and such aren't a concern?

I AM on a budget. In fact, this is out of my budget. But also looking to make this a long-lasting stable run that I am not constantly trying to maintain, like I am the current one.

 

[thecatumbrella]

1: If you're on a budget, simple polycarbonate roofing panels will get the job done. You can also get clear ones for more natural light. Keep in mind that this does heat up the run substantially in warmer weather with direct sun. Metal panels will have longevity, but might cost more depending on their finish. They're also a bit loud in the rain (if the birds mind that).

2. You said you wanted a slant roof, and sadly this does not go hand-in-hand with keeping water out. An A-frame with extended overhangs (and/or gutters) will be much more successful and much more expensive. A slant roof also needs a specific pitch to handle snow weight. I can't remember what it is off the top of my head, but it's more of an angle than you would think.

3. Weight. I'd make the bottom frame of the run either 4x4s or 4x6s. Build a garden bed into one (or both) of the longer sides. Make it at least a couple feet tall and fill that sucker with dirt. It will give the chickens a nice privacy/shade wall as well. You said you can't dig into the ground, but what about using ground anchors with ratchet straps? My anchors are about 20" long and spiral into the dirt. I'll attach a photo. The run is wire-based, but it will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Hope this helps a bit. I'm sure someone else will have even better ideas, so I'll be watching this thread.

 

[Sefirothe]

4x6's and/or 4x4's for the base will help hold it steady. A solid well compacted ground base will also help. Lots of bracing if you arent burying support posts. My run doesnt have anything buried and it is not attached to the shed at all, there's about a half inch gap between the wall of the shed and the support posts nearest the shed.

I dont do any weather proofing on the sides of the run. Some rain and snow blow in but the shed blocks about 98% of the prevailing wind in this area. The single slant of the roof works because its more of a continuation of the shed roof.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Rain and snow in the run should not be a problem. The run floor should be like a forest floor and break down all the poop and other organic matter into the ground. If you have mold in the run, the bedding/litter you are using is likely not appropriate.

See my coop article for a budget run that does not have a foundation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-stinky-acres-farm-chicken-barn.79769/