Protecting run in winter

[SmiYa0126]

My run has been covered since October, one side is open during the day and another side can be opened as needed. I'm in SE PA.

 

[AnchoredHomestead]

I wrap mine with homemade "clear" reinforced tarps in early November. Before it's so cold out my hands will freeze doing the work.
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What do you use for the clear tarps?

 

[AmyMon]

We purchased 6 mil remnant greenhouse film through FarmTek for our 8’x16’ run for $37.

 

[DobieLover]

What do you use for the clear tarps?

I used this. I still have some left and may make a new tarp to replace one that a squirrel chewed the bottom off of when it couldn't get back into the run because I locked it up for a few days when I found said squirrel sitting in the fermented feed heated bowl happily munching away with the chickens watching it.

 

[zenstarling]

Anyone in Connecticut wrap their run yet? Just curious. I know its anyday now. Its cold in the AM, but warms up quit a bit. I think I'll hold off another week. My 5 GLW's are molting and seem SO cold in the early morning.

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with my run, first winter with chickens. but the time is now. "true November" is definitely here now, this week.... I enjoyed the warmth while it lasted

 

[Iluveggers]

How do you guys know which direction the wind usually blows in from?

Our run is next to a thick fence, so I won’t block that side. Planning to tarp the 2 ft section on the south side (under the coop), and the whole east side that faces the yard. The north side is about 4 feet from the house, we can see in from our sunroom window. Do you think wind can blow in over the house, or will it be blocked? The house wall is much bigger than the run wall.

 

[NatJ]

How do you guys know which direction the wind usually blows in from?

In some places, it is really obvious.
All the trees lean one way, or you step out the door and it always hits you from the same side, or things like dead leaves and snow always pile up on a certain side of fences/buildings/trees.

There are some other places where you have to pay more attention to figure it out, but it is still predictable once you figure it out.

And there are some places where the wind comes from every direction on a regular basis.

Our run is next to a thick fence, so I won’t block that side. Planning to tarp the 2 ft section on the south side (under the coop), and the whole east side that faces the yard. The north side is about 4 feet from the house, we can see in from our sunroom window. Do you think wind can blow in over the house, or will it be blocked? The house wall is much bigger than the run wall.

I agree about leaving the side by the fence unblocked.
I would leave the side toward your house unblocked too, at least for now, and see how it goes.

You want some amount of air movement, but not too much. You house will probably block any strong winds, which might leave the run just about right. Or there's a chance that the combination of your house and the chicken run might somehow funnel the wind into the run and make it unpleasant for the chickens. You will just need to watch and see if the chickens seem comfortable, or if you can see their feathers blowing in the wind, or if they keep hiding somewhere sheltered to avoid the wind.

The chickens definitely need a place to be out of the wind (like the coop) but it's up to you how much you want to keep the run wind-free. If it is sheltered enough that they can use it MOST days, that might be good enough, and they would just hang out inside the coop if you get a few extra-windy days.

 

[3KillerBs]

How do you guys know which direction the wind usually blows in from?

I guess I've always just naturally paid attention to that sort of thing -- especially when I move onto a new property and am getting familiar with it.

When you step out into your yard during bad weather does the wind hit you in the face? In the back? From the right? From the left?

Are winter storms different than summer storms?

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

How do you guys know which direction the wind usually blows in from?

Our run is next to a thick fence, so I won’t block that side. Planning to tarp the 2 ft section on the south side (under the coop), and the whole east side that faces the yard. The north side is about 4 feet from the house, we can see in from our sunroom window. Do you think wind can blow in over the house, or will it be blocked? The house wall is much bigger than the run wall.

Hang some fluff from the ceiling, see which way the wind blows it. Last year I wrapped the entire run 1/2 way up to the roof, so about 3ft tall all the way around. It was perfect. Spots that seemed to get more weather, i wrapped to the roof minus 6 inches. Im in CT where winters can be brutal. Good luck!

 

[Iluveggers]

Such a helpful thread! Thanks everyone! Guess I’ll have to pay more attention next time it’s a windy day. Lol