Run completely covered?

[gottadance]

Hi there - I'm wondering if people generally have a portion of their run or all of their run covered with a tarp or something to keep out the rain/snow? I know they have to be covered with netting for predators, but I was just thinking that in the winter here, if the run is covered by something at least an area of the run will be snow/rain free for the chickens. I was thinking of creating an angled roof to cover at least part of the run (my coop will be next to my garage). What say you?

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

If you can afford it--do it! It's on my list of things I'm saving up for....I think it will cut down on the frostbite my birds get if they aren't walking in the snow.

 

[Lesa]

We built an addition to the coop. Using old windows and a metal roof, we made a "sun room". This way the chickens can always get out of the coop, no matter the weather. If they choose to go out in the snow they can...

 

[Judy]

One of the problems with managing chickens that I keep reading about on here is that they tend to refuse to go out in snow, yet react badly to being "cooped up," with pecking and worse. If you can cover your run, or part of it, in a way that will let them get outdoors in snow and give them a little more space, I would certainly do it.

ETA - this will also give them some shade in summer. Mine are already seeking shade on warm (80ish) days. And I know your summers will get warm enough for them to be uncomfortable in the sun.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

I've only had my bantam Houdan refuse to go out in it but they don't seem to mind being indoors, either. All of my other breeds venture out, spend too much time outside and start losing toes and combs.

 

[elmo]

I agree...cover the run if possible. You will avoid most muddy run and chicken poo stink problems that way.