Run design and logistics

[mo'_eggs]

Hey there,

I'm in Toronto, working on my 4 chicken coop/run plans and am confused about...a lot...but particularly about the run.

I need it to be...

raccoon proof

rain/snow resistant

not shady (the backyard is already shady enough)

easy to access for cleaning/shoveling




I'm having trouble visualizing how I can do all of these things easily.


Other thoughts:

I need to build an enclosed run, assuming with a solid roof for snow and whatnot. The run will be against a brick wall, so how do I ensure that the snow/rain doesn't just flow back into the run? How do I get into a low-to-the-ground run to clean it or shovel snow? Maybe the solid roof I would attach with hinges, and latch/lock it on the opposite side? I would need two latches I think, to make it raccoon proof. What material should I use if I'm concerned about light? I don't like plastic, and wouldn't clear plastic just cook the birds in the summertime anyway?

How long should it be?


Thanks for your help : )

 

[WoodlandWoman]

For covered runs that are short in height, like on a chicken tractor, I do design the roof of the run to be hinged on one side and latched on the other. Then it can be lifted up for full access. No crouching here! You can step right inside if you want or have full access leaning in. It works really well.

 

[patandchickens]

Hi there, I'm in the Uxbridge area so probably only 45 minutes from you

I would suggest building the coop as large as you can possibly stand -- teeny little things are real hard to ventilate properly in these winters (well, not this past winter, but you know, normal weather

) and also your chickens are likely to be spending a loooooot of time indoors and you don't want them getting grumpy on each other. Quite literally the bigger you can build it, the better. If it is going to have to be small, try to make it sort of elongated (e.g. 4x8) so that you can have your open ventilation at one (downwind) end while the roost is at the far end, as far as possible from the incoming cold air.

Raccoon proof is not a huge problem as long as you are willing to spend money on good materials and also lock the chickens indoors at night. For a small run, 1/2" hardwarecloth (very securely affixed to the run framing) is probably best; for something larger, you could use 1x1 or even 2x4 welded wire mesh with hardwarecloth added on the bottom 2-3' (but it sounds like you only want a small, sort run...?). If you have really tough professional raccoons used to breaking into garbage cans, I would suggest using thicker rather than thinner plywood for the coop, and screwing it all together into thick wood framing, and put two stout well-attached locks on any doors.

I am not sure why you don't like plastic but corrugated polycarbonate (NOT pvc!) roofing panels are by far your best bet for letting light into the run while keeping out rain and snow. Make sure to pick up the installation pamphlet b/c there are a number of installation details you have to do RIGHT for the stuff to last. It is unlikely to get too hot in summer if your yard is shady, and if it does, you can bunge some shadecloth over top of it, problem solved

As far as the joint between the run roofing and the house, just get it reasonably close and you will be fine. Most of the time, not much water hits the wall of a typical house ANYhow, and what little does, and tracks down into the run, will not be a real big deal. Your other option would be to cut out some siding or mortar and insert flashing over top of where the run roof goes... but that would just be overkill and I am NOT recommendign it

If you build the coop so that it is over top of part of the run, that will make it much easier access for you to clean etc, also you will not have to shovel snow away from it to get inside (er, so much

).

I would suggest allowing space in your walls and ceiling for as much insulation as possible, and at the same time ensure adequate ventilation that you will be able to leave open essentially all winter (humidity causes most frostbite problems, not cold per se)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[mo'_eggs]

Thanks for this, Pat. I already found your helpful pages, so I'm glad you replied. Back to the drawing board...

 

[briteday]

If I understand your original psot correctly you only have 4 birds. If that's the case then I would consider an a-frame or some sort of 2-story structure so that the run is under the coop, no snow or rain in the run.