roof for the run?

[Chicks Galore3]

I have a six foot tall dog run, with the diamond openings. On one side there is a 4x4x4 three sided box. Would that be enough protection? Or would a roof be good? Do any of you let your chickens out on very hot nights?

 

[AlienChick]

As far as protection, you would have to determine what types of predators you have in your area (dogs, cats, raccoons, coyotes, hawks, etc.).
If you've got hawks, the open roof would not be any protection.
Also the diamond openings are wide enough for a raccoon to reach in and grab a chicken head, so wire would have to be put about 24" around the bottom.

I have a neighbor who raises guineas in the 8x10 dog kennels (open roof) and he is always loosing birds to hawks.
I'm right down the road from him and all of my birds free range and I have never lost any birds to hawks.
Whenever my birds feel threatened, they run to the trees, or underneath a tractor or into the pole barn where they're safe.

As far as the heat, my birds generally do not like high heat. They will seek out shady spots underneath the cool trees.
As far as letting them out at night, mine are all asleep at night inside the coop; if it's hot, the windows are all open.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I would have problems with possums, raccoons, skunks, maybe hawks, foxes and doubtedly cats. I will put wire around the bottom, thanks!