Need a new, improved run. Pics please!

[texsuze]

For Ccort: sorry don't have pics but here are the lattice panels I staple the plastic sheeting to:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Sele...ft-White-Vinyl-Traditional-Lattice/5014658831

Used during winter, hung/zip-tied/attached to the frame of the run and to the HW cloth walls (whatever keeps it in place), all the way around. Lets in light and blocks wind and rain. These come off in the spring and are stored in the barn till the next winter season. The 4'x8' size works well with the dimensions of my run, as they cover nearly all the way up the sides of the run but still allow for ventilation at the very top. Hope that makes sense!

 

[KJsHalfPintFarm]

My coop is 4x12 and adjacent run 7x9 with 3' framing on the long sides. The east side is right up against the privacy fence so we used fence pickets. The south side is along a half wall so fence pickets on bottom and hardware cloth on top. North and west on run is hardware cloth. The run sides are 6' tall so I'm using 54"x36" sheets of 20 mil clear vinyl on north, west and south in winter and connecting with roofing screws. This leaves 1 1/2 open at top for ventilation but nice and windproof where the girls hang out.

In summer I use burlap bags free from local coffee shop to keep out sun and rain and solid tarp over clear roof.

 

[Ccort]

My coop is 4x12 and adjacent run 7x9 with 3' framing on the long sides. The east side is right up against the privacy fence so we used fence pickets. The south side is along a half wall so fence pickets on bottom and hardware cloth on top. North and west on run is hardware cloth. The run sides are 6' tall so I'm using 54"x36" sheets of 20 mil clear vinyl on north, west and south in winter and connecting with roofing screws. This leaves 1 1/2 open at top for ventilation but nice and windproof where the girls hang out.

In summer I use burlap bags free from local coffee shop to keep out sun and rain and solid tarp over clear roof.
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Has the roof on the run held up well? An curious if it'll crack easily. Also, does it hold weight well? Wondering about large snow/ice amounts on top. It looks beautiful.

 

[KJsHalfPintFarm]

Has the roof on the run held up well? An curious if it'll crack easily. Also, does it hold weight well? Wondering about large snow/ice amounts on top. It looks beautiful.

Thanks and yes! But I usually sweep off deep snow right away. We had nearly a foot couple weeks ago but it didn't take long to clear with wide broom. After they've gone to bed bc they're scared of the hawk looking broom.

 

[Haflinger]

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.

 

[Haflinger]

It sounds like your final product should be heavy enough. I also use tarp all around my pen. I have a 10 X 20 kennel for my pen. And I use clear tarp ( not as clear as advertised), all around it. The kennel is not secured down. I think you will be ok.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

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.

take advice from people who live in similar locations with similar weather and seasons. Good luck

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

How do you attach the polycarbonate sides?

i have read, maybe @Ponypoor uses the hardware that you see with mirrors, or, like on the back of a picture frame. biggest issue i think would be storing them off season. They are flat though which is good. I use a clear tarp and put it away around now. I still have mine its 5yrs old. i'm gonna do the poly maybe this year. Tired of removing staples and painting every season.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Thanks you all! So I'm actually looking at a 20*12 run now so that my coop will be inside the run. It's currently outside of it and this will be nicer, I think. Am getting help to build it otherwise I could never do it. I'm illiterate with tools.

I'm looking at a metal roof but not sure what to do yet with the sides. I would like to have the back half of the run have covered sides, but also only covered about halfway up, to provide a permanent barrier from bitter cold winds, crazy rain/snow. I think four feet "walls" would work. Thoughts? Would polycarbonate still get hot in this case ? What about using plywood?

Do what most people do and get a sturdy tarp and wrap the coop when you choose. leave ventilation along the top. I've used the same tarp for 4 years but will do poly soon cause i hate the staples. and, its not see through which i hate too. This tarp has seen four winters zone 6a. Ready for the poly I think. Gotta store them when not using too. Good Luck!

 

[Ponypoor]

Do what most people do and get a sturdy tarp and wrap the coop when you choose. leave ventilation along the top. I've used the same tarp for 4 years but will do poly soon cause i hate the staples. and, its not see through which i hate too. This tarp has seen four winters zone 6a. Ready for the poly I think. Gotta store them when not using too. Good Luck! View attachment 4310261

Oooooo yes that is what I want, my run covered! I have windows in my barn made from PVC greenhouse panels, they are not see through due to them having a double cell structure. But they let light in - bright and sunny. I use the same screws one uses on steel roofing with the rubber seal between the head and the panel. Don’t over tighten to dimple the panel.

I am planning on putting up a ‘sunroom’ / greenhouse on the front of my barn with the panels removable - I will use some 1x2 strapping to mount the panels to, and then use a simple ‘post and eye’ hook system to attach the panels. I can then just lift them off the hooks and store in an empty stall in the summer.