Run cover?

[IceStorm]

So our run is wedged between a fence and three sheds, it’s not out in the open by any means. The top will be covered with hardware cloth due to predators and we have hawks in the area, but is it necessary to have a solid cover over the run full time? Or even at all? Im concerned about it cause the top is gonna be flat so a tarp would just collect lots of water and make a lake?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What climate are you in? Judging the number of days that the run is likely to be deemed unusable by your flock based on weather is a key factor in answering this question along with how much space they have in the coop to spend days that they don't feel like going out into the weather

 

[IceStorm]

What climate are you in? Judging the number of days that the run is likely to be deemed unusable by your flock based on weather is a key factor in answering this question along with how much space they have in the coop to spend days that they don't feel like going out into the weather

The coop is a small shed. We live in colorado, so not horrible climate? But chilly for a little bit.

 

[DobieLover]

The coop is a small shed. We live in colorado, so not horrible climate? But chilly for a little bit.

Chilly is not an issue. Downpours and snow are. If snow gets deeper than 2-3 inches, the chickens tend to not want to walk in it.

Keeping the run DRY is critical to keep down stench. You will need a thick layer of dry organic matter that will not compact or mold if it gets wet and the area of the run should have adequate slope to drain off any standing water if it will not readily soak into the soil. The waste load on the soil will also come into play (how many birds per square foot will it have to manage).

Can you post pictures of what you are working with?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Some very good points raised by two very good people.

Even with the hardware cloth roof (let alone a solid roof) you should consider snow and ice load. Snow and ice can get pretty heavy. If you put a solid roof on it I would slope it so the water runs off to an area where it naturally flows away from the run to help keep it dry. Sloping it so the water flows into the run kind of defeats the purpose.

 

[Nonafel]

Between some fences and sheds, plus being in colorodo...
You'll likely do great using some standard metal roofting. 8-12 sections are very common at hardware stores.
That alone should keep the water off and the snow out, but consider a flap or tarp to go around halfway to 3/4s the way down on whatever exposed side would let rain/snow in for extra protection.

 

[IceStorm]

Chilly is not an issue. Downpours and snow are. If snow gets deeper than 2-3 inches, the chickens tend to not want to walk in it.

Keeping the run DRY is critical to keep down stench. You will need a thick layer of dry organic matter that will not compact or mold if it gets wet and the area of the run should have adequate slope to drain off any standing water if it will not readily soak into the soil. The waste load on the soil will also come into play (how many birds per square foot will it have to manage).

Can you post pictures of what you are working with?

So here is the space, it's an L shape. Mind you, NOTHING has been worked on except the coop being built (the brown shed, which will have an automatic door to it). We're a little stuck on the best way to make this space work. We know we can, but want to make sure the girls stay safe from predators.

The green fencing will be gone and hardware cloth will be there and there will be substrate not just dirt. Also will be building a door at the entrance (second photo) so we can access the run.

Let me know if I can provide any other photos for reference!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Snow load would be my top concern if you cover the run space with anything. How much snow do you get on average? Is the other side of the fence your property as well or is that a neighbor's?

 

[IceStorm]

Snow load would be my top concern if you cover the run space with anything. How much snow do you get on average? Is the other side of the fence your property as well or is that a neighbor's?

Well this year we hardly got ANY major snow, but I can't speak for this month. We usually get a "last minute" snow dump in April

 

[rosemarythyme]

Well this year we hardly got ANY major snow, but I can't speak for this month. We usually get a "last minute" snow dump in April

It doesn't take much for snow weight to take down a run, and it doesn't fall through hardware cloth. So in areas with possibility of snow build up it's best to have a solid roof adequately sloped to allow snow to slide off.