Shade for run...???

[Teresaann24]

I have a tree growing behind my runs but is not big enough to cover my runs for protection from the sun. I have used a tarp to give shade. I have one of the blue tarps that is revirsable on one run and seems to not cool down the shaded part of the run like the gray thick tarps on my other runs. Should I add one of the gray tarps over the blue tarp for better protection? (If this makes any sence..LOL i have not clue what the name of the tarps are called)

 

[annek]

I doubt that it would be the thickness of the tarp, could it maybe be the blue color absorbs more heat? I don't see why it would hurt to add the gray tarp over it. maybe just pull off the blue and go with gray all the way!

 

[lunkerchicken]

I am not sure on the tarps?? I used a corrugated plastic with uv protection so my chickens wouldn't get a sunburn!

They have them at lowes for $29 - 12' long by 29" wide.
I have 3/4 of my run covered with this and then the other 1/4 is chicken wire in case they decide to work on there tan!

 

[KattyKillFish]

i would think that tarps make what is called the 'greenhouse effect'. my mom often used tarps to make her greenhouses, the blue ones. if you're going to use a tarp use a heavy duty thick one, a darker color too. you cal also use an old blanket, and put the tarp over it to protect it from rain

i vote grey.

 

[Uppity Peon]

The bue tarps break down in sunlight pretty quickly. The grey tarps are the best. And try to get the tarp well stretched out so the wind doesn't make it flap if possible.

You may have noticed you feel cooler if you are in the shade but still have sky overhead. Roofs and tarps always seem to reflect IR back down. Tree shade is the best. I am thinking about getting a military surplus camo net.

 

[CoopCrazy]

I used an old sheet yesterday and the girls were noticely cooler i was worried a tarp might make it hotter...

 

[kidd42]

I bought shade cloth from Lowes. 15' x 4' with the hardware for it, cost me right around $25 for everything.

 

[smokeater413]

You could plant something like honeysuckle or a grape vine to cover the top of the run, not only will the grape vine provide them with shade but will supply you with grapes in the summer.

 

[TreeHugger]

I used the blue tarps last year & hated them. They did not last long & when we had a storm one of them ripped off the top of the pens & is still stuck in the top of a tree

. I planted honeysuckle along the back of the pen this spring & I am using shade cloth until the honeysuckle takes over. I planted a few fruit trees for natural shade, but it will take years before they do any good.

 

[CityChook]

Quote:
I like this idea. Pretty, inexpensive and functional!