Run cover?

[cajungirl0717]

Hello! So we have our chicken house built inside a run that was already on the property when we bought our house. What is an option to cover the run? It already has a bird mesh on top, but there isn’t much shade from 11-5 for the chickens except under the house (or in it).

The feeder and water will be upgraded to hanging ones. That’s what I had in the brooder. But the area they are in is where the new ones will be hung (can you see the metal pole at the top). That spot has the least amount of shade, but the rest is truly unshaded through most of the day.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. How lucky you are to have the structure already in place!

If you're just looking for shade and not predator security you could use shade cloth or tarp. The former is better ventilated, the latter more proof against inclement weather.

Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when considering your coop and run needs.

Also, speaking of predator security, I see that the run is covered in chicken wire. Unfortunately, the only thing that chicken wire is good for is keeping chickens in. Just about every kind of predator can get through it. Can you cover the run with 1/2" hardware cloth for better security?

 

[aart]

How big is the span......can you put up rafters to mount some metal roofing?

 

[cajungirl0717]

Welcome to BYC. How lucky you are to have the structure already in place!

If you're just looking for shade and not predator security you could use shade cloth or tarp. The former is better ventilated, the latter more proof against inclement weather.

Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when considering your coop and run needs.

Also, speaking of predator security, I see that the run is covered in chicken wire. Unfortunately, the only thing that chicken wire is good for is keeping chickens in. Just about every kind of predator can get through it. Can you cover the run with 1/2" hardware cloth for better security?

We are in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. So it’s warm and muggy most of the time :/ Yes, around the sides is plain ole chicken wire. I am in the process of getting 1/2” wire to put over it as I have read that on other posts on here before. It’s a work in progress, as I can only work on it from about 8-11 in the morning before I am sweating bullets! The top is smaller holes. I’ll look into a shade, thank you!

 

[cajungirl0717]

How big is the span......can you put up rafters to mount some metal roofing?

I think it the run measured 16’ long by 9’ wide. 6’ high at the short end, up to 6’7” at the higher?? If wood didn’t cost so much, I would. As we spent $300 on wood alone to build their super simple house and run door, we are tight on funds for the run.

 

[aart]

I think it the run measured 16’ long by 9’ wide. 6’ high at the short end, up to 6’7” at the higher?? If wood didn’t cost so much, I would. As we spent $300 on wood alone to build their super simple house and run door, we are tight on funds for the run.

Throw a tarp or shade cloth over it...with a tarp watch any rainfall doesn't collapse it.

 

[cajungirl0717]

Throw a tarp or shade cloth over it...with a tarp watch any rainfall doesn't collapse it.

Thank you! I appreciate y’all’s help!

 

[perkolator]

Cost of lumber has come down quite a bit in recent weeks, I would just build the roof structure. The panels are the expensive part though, always have been, but you could buy those later and use the structure to support other cheaper materials like the tarp, plastic sheeting, pallet slats, etc