Plastic for Run

[jreardon1918]

Here is a picture from our first winter prep. The plastic is not clear. It was 6 mil from Home Depot. Now I use dollar store shower curtains. They just make it through the winter. But are very clear. I use the same boards every year to fasten them. I have added some vertical boards to keep the plastic from flapping. There is plenty of fresh air, but they are well protected. Very little snow gets in.

 

[jwlee]

Here is a picture from our first winter prep. The plastic is not clear. It was 6 mil from Home Depot. Now I use dollar store shower curtains. They just make it through the winter. But are very clear. I use the same boards every year to fasten them. I have added some vertical boards to keep the plastic from flapping. There is plenty of fresh air, but they are well protected. Very little snow gets in.

Wow! That looks good. I’m using Dollar Tree curtains too but I’m noticing a smell now. I’m thinking about lowering the curtains to allow more air flow. I left a couple inches uncovered under the coop and about 5“ from the top of the run. Is there an advice amount of how much to cover the run with plastic?

 

[RainbowHen]

Wisconsin here. I used polycarbonate twinwall panels. Cut them to fit and I can use them year after year

 

[CluckerFamily]

I also use corrugated plastic sheets for the run.

 

[aart]

I left a couple inches uncovered under the coop and about 5“ from the top of the run. Is there an advice amount of how much to cover the run with plastic?

Either you need more ventilation, or more bedding, or you have a moisture/drainage problem in your run.
Post pics, with info like dimensions and number of birds, and maybe we can help.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I leave at least 6 inches below the top of the run for ventilation. The smell could be from the shower curtains themselves. It will be another week or two before I put them up for the season. Although we had 4 inches of snow here today and the temps will be below freezing overnight, it’s still a little too warm to weatherize the run.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

We used corrugated clear panels. They worked awesome, better ventilation with them than plastic we used before and we still have them to use this year, we took them down in the spring and store in the rafters of the shed. View attachment 2385758View attachment 2385759

We use these as well, and they work beautifully for us.

 

[aart]

The smell could be from the shower curtains themselves.

Good point......new plastic is stinky, IMO.

I’m using Dollar Tree curtains too but I’m noticing a smell now.

@jwlee Is the smell ammonia/chicken poop.....or new plastic?

 

[Bear river lodge]

I know I asked this question last year but here I am again. Last year I bought transparent tarps from Grainger. I liked that they were actually transparent but that's where it stopped. SUPER heavy duty but to the point I could NOT manage it by myself and even was a super job with my husband helping plus being colder outside, they had NO give to them whatsoever!!

So here I am asking for suggestions again. Really would like something easy that I don't have to recreate to use. Thanks again!!

I live in "the icebox of the nation " we are known to have the coldest weather in the continental United States. We wrap our runs in 6 mil poly sheeting that we buy large rolls of at the hardware store. I repurpose it in the spring and cover my cold frames. It is easy to work with and holds up well. I use lathe

I know I asked this question last year but here I am again. Last year I bought transparent tarps from Grainger. I liked that they were actually transparent but that's where it stopped. SUPER heavy duty but to the point I could NOT manage it by myself and even was a super job with my husband helping plus being colder outside, they had NO give to them whatsoever!!

So here I am asking for suggestions again. Really would like something easy that I don't have to recreate to use. Thanks again!!

strips to fasten it on. This year it went even better because I had a system worked out.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I use the 6 mil poly on mine too. This is year 4 or 5 for the same pieces on the hoop run.