Roof on Chicken Run

[jenmar0811]

I am new to raising backyard chickens and I'm in the process of finishing up my chicken run. I have heard both sides of the story through research and some say they need direct sunlight and some say indirect will be fine. I want to cover my run with metal roofing to prevent predators like hawks and stuff. I live in Florida where the sun gets hot in the Summer, so I was thinking the metal roofing would add shade for the chickens also. Will the chickens still be productive without direct sunlight?

 

[QueenMisha]

They don't really NEED direct sunlight - but many prefer to have some areas of it so they can sun- and dustbathe.

Metal cover works fine, but have you considered doing partial metal and partial wire? You can easily use PVC or wood to make a frame and place gamebird netting or chicken wire over top. You could do half and half to cover the run. Best of both worlds.

 

[jenmar0811]

I have not thought about doing half and half but it makes perfect sense. I may just do that thanks for the help!!