New Run Started!

[MrLeeHo]

Morning All, was busy starting our new run this weekend and am too excited not to share the progress. Pics below...it is about 12x9 7ft tall on the high side and 6ft tall on the low side. Getting the footprint level was a real pain thanks to the Carolina clay and the slope was about 18 inches from low point to high point. Will have a tin roof and full sized door when all is said and done. Thoughts and opinions are welcome (even if I may not want to hear them .

 

[aart]

Does the run roof have a curve at the low end?

Will you put a gutter on the low end of the coop roof to avoid puddles under the edge?

Curious how the coop and run will be 'joined'.

 

[MrLeeHo]

Does the run roof have a curve at the low end? - It does not. Not sure i understand what you mean by curve. Are you meaning that to bend the "sharp" edge of the tin or for rain management?

Will you put a gutter on the low end of the coop roof to avoid puddles under the edge? - I have the idea of having a rain catching system to use the rain water for the gardens but that plan is not fully concocted as of yet...

Curious how the coop and run will be 'joined'. - The plan for connecting the run is to have a smaller sort of tunnel or hallway about 4x4 that will run from the run to the coop so that it is fully enclosed and connected.

I am not the best planner with my projects and things do adjust as I go. I know that's not ideal to most people but it is part of the fun to me. Sometimes makes for more work and rework but that just contributes to the adventure.

 

[cmom]

I would slope the roof so the rain can run off of it. Also I would put an apron around the bottom to prevent predators from digging under. Good luck and have fun...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[MrLeeHo]

I would slope the roof so the rain can run off of it. Also I would put an apron around the bottom to prevent predators from digging under. Good luck and have fun...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

The roof will be sloped, it is 1ft higher on one side. I don't have a concern about snow so it is just sloped enough for rain to run off.

I do have a wire apron running under the 4x4's along the entire footprint. I am also thinking about pouring some concrete along the outside of the footprint. Either that or I am going to lay pavers along the outside to also deter diggers.

 

[aart]

Not sure i understand what you mean by curve.

That top plate looks curved at the lower end, between the 2 last studs..
Maybe it's just an optical illusion, but I see it both pics.

 

[MrLeeHo]

That top plate looks curved at the lower end, between the 2 last studs..
Maybe it's just an optical illusion, but I see it both pics.
View attachment 2570651

Yea, unfortunately it is a warped 2x4. I think the picture makes it look worse than it really is. I will lay a straightboard over it when i put the rafters across for the roof and if there is still a bit of a gap i will cover it with HWC. I have learned that when you have lumber delivered as opposed to going to get it yourself, you seem to get all the dregs...

 

[Appalachickens]

Looks great. I am planning a similar run.

"I am not the best planner with my projects and things do adjust as I go. I know that's not ideal to most people but it is part of the fun to me. Sometimes makes for more work and rework but that just contributes to the adventure."

We are kindred spirits in this. And it reminds me of things my sons have said. One at 7 announced, "I'm just going to live my life and see what happens." And my other son at 5 when someone told him he'd lose a game the way he was playing, responded, "I don't care if I win or lose, I just want to have an adventure."

 

[3KillerBs]

Looking good! I'm impressed that you went to the trouble of leveling it. I confess that our new open-air coop is just being built over the ground as it is and I am resigned to harvesting compost from the low end.

I do have a wire apron running under the 4x4's along the entire footprint. I am also thinking about pouring some concrete along the outside of the footprint. Either that or I am going to lay pavers along the outside to also deter diggers.

Concrete on top of the wire -- poured or pavers -- defeats the purpose.

Digging predators start at the edge of the obstacle. They'll stop when they hit the wire but wont think to back up.

If you have concrete they'll back up to the edge of the concrete and end up under the wire.

I have learned that when you have lumber delivered as opposed to going to get it yourself, you seem to get all the dregs...

So true!

We've only done that once. Picking through the posts and boards yourself is worth the extra effort and annoyance.