Rain and the chicken run

[NewChickmom2016]

Being a new backyard chicken mom, and living in California, we are getting our first rain this weekend. The run which is both under and in front of our coop is getting rain from both sides (rain keeps switching direction!). We have a solid roof over the entire run. This started me thinking about future rains and if we should do anything to try and keep the run dryer.

For now, the "prevailing" rain side has a tarp- which the girls are not too happy with when the wind is blowing hard! And the run under their coop has a piece of leftover plywood leaning against it.

My thought was to do some sort of "storm windows" that we could put in for really inclement times and then store away. I would prefer something transparent so the girls can still get plenty of light in the run.

Has anyone done anything like this?

thoughts?
thanks!
-Jerie

 

[NewChickmom2016]

Here is a picture of our Run and coop. We have 3 pullets- just turned 4 months old.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We have a small prefab coop with lots of ventilation, so we have storm panels made of the same sort of semi-translucent plastic panels in a greenhouse kit are made of. They're really not necessary unless the rain is coming down very hard / hard sideways. Chickens aren't too happy getting wet, but it shouldn't cause them too many problems either. Your coop looks pretty solid, so if the rain is bad enough they'll go into your coop for shelter.

 

[Rosey516]

It's finally done, I just have to predator proof.. I put a baby pool in the run with sand maybe they can dust bathe.. I am also going to put 2x4's for them to roost right now they are 2x3's

 

[FarmerMac]

You could put some clear plastic 3 - 6 mi, thick, wrap the coop and fasten the plastic with strips of wood, like the 1 x 1 that HD or Lowes sales. You could cut them to fit the lengt of the 2x4 and screw the wood strips sandwiching the pastic. Leave some opening for ventilation. Wen the rains stop, you can unscrew the plastic. I used this method in the winter to block the cold wind in my runs and turkey pens.

 

[NewChickmom2016]

Thanks FarmerMac-
My husband and I were just talking about something along those lines. Our first thought was to use plywood- but I would rather have the light still coming in. Plastic it very well might be. That method would keep the flapping tarp away!
thank you!
-Jerie

 

[NewChickmom2016]

Rosemary-
Yes- they didn't seem to like getting wet- and it wasn't very wet today! It is a solid coop- and when it was hot they went up into the coop. Don't know why they stayed down next to the hardware cloth where they got wet today. Silly chickens!
Debating some sort of plastic- corrugated might do the trick- cut to size- stick it in the openings on the outside, with something to keep the piece in place. Easy to take out and stack together to store.
thanks for the idea!
-Jerie

 

[NewChickmom2016]

We ended up deciding on clear "tuftex" corrugated PVC panels. Put them up just 2/3 of the way. Not the cheapest solution, but will last for many years and be easy to store away when not needed. Will get a picture up at some point. Will be able to remove the panels when not needed. Ventilation and light stay great, wind at the ground level is greatly diminished and we have dry, happy chickens!
Thanks for all the suggestions!
-Jerie

 

[briannanoelle1]

Please post a pic! I'm in CA too and this rain has been no joke. My girls don't care for the rain or a wet run, thinking of doing the same with clear panels along the sides. How much did it end up costing you?