Need help with winter proofing the run

[WalnutTree]

I have a 10 x 11 run that is half-roofed. The rest is chicken wire. I live in WA and we tend to have lots of days with wind and rain. In winter it is usually never single F digits//
Last year I had artifical heat in the coop with wood shavings and on some of the cold days I attached cardboard to the sides as wind stoppers. This summer I recently converted the run and coop to sand, but the wind blows the rain to all of the run, making it very difficult for sifting/cleaning as well as not giving the chickens lots of dry areas. I live with my family and they refuse to let me temporarily cover the rest of the top and lower sides of the coop because it would look ugly
This would be my last year with the chickens before I rehome them as I go to college. I want them to have a comfortable time here.

First off I would like to know if winterproofing the run would benifit the chickens as I was thinking?

And does anyone have any reccommendations of temporary winter/wind proofing that wouldnt be "ugly"?

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Do they get out to free-range or is the Run as much room as they get? How many chickens? It's a cute run and personally do fall somewhere in between when it comes to I do like it to look good and at the same time to be functional. Reason I ask about free range time is that my Run is not covered. It surrounds my coop which is large and has an awning that keeps that area semi-dry. I say "semi" because I'm in your climate and sideways rain is a thing.... so when my chickens are out ranging they find dry areas to dust bath alongside my shed where the eve's keep the sand dry. And that's all they need. The dry dust bath and the dry coop, semi dry awning and not even remotely dry Run. IF yours dont get out of the Run to find areas of opportunity then you might consider polycarbonate panels for the back and 2 sides. It would still take sideways rain through the front but I think they'd have some dry sand in the back.....

 

[WalnutTree]

Do they get out to free-range or is the Run as much room as they get? How many chickens? It's a cute run and personally do fall somewhere in between when it comes to I do like it to look good and at the same time to be functional. Reason I ask about free range time is that my Run is not covered. It surrounds my coop which is large and has an awning that keeps that area semi-dry. I say "semi" because I'm in your climate and sideways rain is a thing.... so when my chickens are out ranging they find dry areas to dust bath alongside my shed where the eve's keep the sand dry. And that's all they need. The dry dust bath and the dry coop, semi dry awning and not even remotely dry Run. IF yours dont get out of the Run to find areas of opportunity then you might consider polycarbonate panels for the back and 2 sides. It would still take sideways rain through the front but I think they'd have some dry sand in the back.....

The run is all the room they get, they arent allowed to free range which is the biggest reason im making so much fuss over the not-so-dry run.. if they could freerange I wouldnt be concerned because as you say, they are usually smart enough to find their own dry spots!
I have 7 hens (1 of which is a silkie)
polycarbonate panels are a smart idea. I'll definitly be talking to them about it.
If anyone has more backup ideas please let me know

 

[3KillerBs]

I suggest that you check your state thread for ideas that suit your local climate.

Many people wrap their runs in clear plastic for the winter -- leaving 8-12" at the top and possibly the leeward side open. Some use clear plastic panels instead.

Heat shouldn't be necessary.

This summer I recently converted the run and coop to sand, but the wind blows the rain to all of the run, making it very difficult for sifting/cleaning as well as not giving the chickens lots of dry areas.

Sand runs are most successful when the can be kept ABSOLUTELY dry.

Coarse wood chips are the gold standard for the control of mud and odor -- they absorb moisture, compost with the manure, and don't need scooping.

 

[linguini]

You can use clear vinyl to cover up key parts of the run - they won't look ugly. The vinyl can be removed in spring and reuse again in winter. We use 20 gauge vinyl.

https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/products/clear-marine-vinyl?variant=32074915610708

 

[WalnutTree]

I suggest that you check your state thread for ideas that suit your local climate.

Many people wrap their runs in clear plastic for the winter -- leaving 8-12" at the top and possibly the leeward side open. Some use clear plastic panels instead.

Heat shouldn't be necessary.



Sand runs are most successful when the can be kept ABSOLUTELY dry.

Coarse wood chips are the gold standard for the control of mud and odor -- they absorb moisture, compost with the manure, and don't need scooping.

Sure I'll do that.
Definitly looking into plastic/polycarbonate panels.
Alright I'll keep the heat in mind, but will still use it in freezing weather for them. Its just a single Cozy Coop Heater. Gives me peace of mind

Yes I am aware on the sand runs.. I thought they would let me temporarily cover the run this fall/winter but I suppose they changed their minds

I had wood chips last winter and it was a muddy stinking mess for me and the chickens! Just didnt work for my weather.

 

[WalnutTree]

You can use clear vinyl to cover up key parts of the run - they won't look ugly. The vinyl can be removed in spring and reuse again in winter. We use 20 gauge vinyl.

https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/products/clear-marine-vinyl?variant=32074915610708

Oh my gosh! Never heard of these! Tysm everyone for being so helpful These might be the route I take

 

[3KillerBs]

I had wood chips last winter and it was a muddy stinking mess for me and the chickens! Just didnt work for my weather.

Here's a great article on mud:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-muddy-run-chicken-coop.47807/

 

[DickMidnight]

6mm polycarbonate panels to cover the lower half to 2/3 of the run walls.

like this

also, i’d consider switching the run medium to a wood chip floor where you toss in wood shavings and rake in dead leaves. sand in the PNW sounds like a nightmare.

 

[WalnutTree]

6mm polycarbonate panels to cover the lower half to 2/3 of the run walls.

like this
View attachment 3315131

also, i’d consider switching the run medium to a wood chip floor where you toss in wood shavings and rake in dead leaves. sand in the PNW sounds like a nightmare.

Alright. Thanks for the example.
my plan to have a temporary fully covered on sides and top failed! So the sand idea was definitly a terrible disaster of planning. I actually dont mind cleaning the run and coop daily with sand siffters as its a small area. I did wood chips before and I am most likely not going back to it