Should I build a new run???!!!

[21hens-incharge]

Do you Think a slanted roof if necessary where I live? I live in northeastern Colorado. we get a decent amount of snow but not too much.

I am also northern Colorado.

Time is getting short to get it done before snow.

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

Will the run be entirely made out of 2x4s? Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

I am also northern Colorado.

Time is getting short to get it done before snow.

Yes I know. Maybe I can do something over the weekend. Last year the first snow was in December so maybe I will have more time.

 

[3KillerBs]

Will the run be entirely made out of 2x4s? Sorry for all the questions!

That depends on your choices. I'd put 4x4's for the corner posts myself, but DH and I come from a long line of over-builders who aren't happy with any structure that isn't planned to last 100 years.

This is another reason you need input from someone local who knows your conditions and circumstances.

 

[21hens-incharge]

A weekend is doable for a hoop run. Not so doable for a roofed run.

I will post a few pictures when I get home of my hoop run that withstood several Colorado snows of 3+ feet.

 

[DickMidnight]

Will the run be entirely made out of 2x4s? Sorry for all the questions!

no.

the posts should be 4x4s

everything else can be 2x4s

 

[Krugerrand]

you’re obviously free to do what you want, however your statement as quoted above and a cattle panel coop and run don’t really go together.

I liked @Blooie 's approach and copied that. Her post has pictures that show how to do it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/motel-chix.67240/

Put in with just steel T-posts, these are super easy and I find them attractive. The only lumber costs are to frame out the door.

Here's a post of mine about my run:

Hello fellow SWPA-ian!

How big of a run area are you looking to enclose? A cattle panel hoop structure about 7-8' wide will be about 6' in the center. (keep in mind that adding woodchips and the like will fill some of that space. These are pretty easy to put up, if it looks like it could fit your needs.

I largely modeled Blooie's run:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/motel-chix

I used res's door approach (more cattle panel) and that was pretty simple.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-coop-brooder-with-roll-up-sides.75720/

I liked how dheltzel raised the door. I did that as well to be sure that snow would not block my way in.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hoop-tractor.69336/

I used 21hens-incharge's cover technique with landscape fabric in the summer and plastic in the winter.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...rdware-cloth-need-to-go.1395404/post-22909255


View attachment 3209285

View attachment 3209293

I recently added a 3rd panel as I plan to introduce some new chickens and wanted some more space.

 

[Krugerrand]

A weekend is doable for a hoop run. Not so doable for a roofed run.

I will post a few pictures when I get home of my hoop run that withstood several Colorado snows of 3+ feet.

I know you have more pics, but here are some:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...rdware-cloth-need-to-go.1395404/post-22909255

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

A weekend is doable for a hoop run. Not so doable for a roofed run.

I will post a few pictures when I get home of my hoop run that withstood several Colorado snows of 3+ feet.

I meant to get started this weekend

 

[Emily_loveschickens]

I do like the hoop coop idea but There are just a few reasons why I’m not choosing that option.