Roof over attached run? PNW

[cheyenne73]

Hi all, I'm looking for advice/input on coop design, particularly from other folks in the Pacific Northwest. We're in Portland and are considering the coop below from a local company. It's the right size for our space, but I'm wondering if the run should also have some sort of roof due to our wet climate? Planning to use deep bedding so would that just mean 8 months of soaked straw? Or no big deal? I've noticed many local coops are using corrugated clear roofing panels for added light, any comments on this as a roofing choice?

thanks!

 

[NC ChickenKate]

I'd use the corrugated plastic roof over the yard and add a 4 to 6 inch overhang. If your rain comes with wind the yard will get wet some around the edges but an overhang will help. The plastic helps letting the sun in especially in the not-so-sunny North West. I used several panels in my first coop and was very happy with it. I'd also put a deep base of sand covering the yard then put your litter over the top of it. You can use lawn edging around the perimeter of the yard to keep the sand in place. A wet hen isn't a happy hen. Probably many folks from your area have the best solutions and answers. Best of luck!

 

[BGMatt]

I wouldn't use straw in an uncovered run (or a covered one but that's a different argument). I'd use deep litter shavings in the coop part and use 4-6" of sand in the run (have to add baseboards to keep it in if you buy that coop it looks like). It will drain and stay not muddy even in our worst winters. Depending on your area you will want to add an apron of wire on top of ground or dig some wire into the ground to keep predators from digging in.

 

[lcammack]

Hi, we live in the very northwest corner of Washington. I say YES to the roof! Our roof over our run has proven its weight in gold. They always have some where dry to be even in the 9 months of rain. I agree, sand, sand, sand. The only thing to use in the run. It dries quickly if the rain blows in from the side and the girls love to take dust baths in it. Just throw some chicken scratch in and they will keep the sand stirred up nicely for you. Good luck!

 

[Jakoda]

I'd definitely do a roof, I roofed 1/2 of my run, and will be doing the other half this spring..We had a somewhat nasty winter here, so I tarped the unroofed half, and tarped the sides as well with clear plastic shower curtain liners..

I have since bought clear tarps, and plan on using those for the sides next year,
Here's a pic of mine (we used sequentia roofing, it held up really good when we got like 4 feet of snow)

 

[Imachickenmama]

Pnw here too. We have a covered part of our run.