Should I have my coop roof extend over the run or should I not?

[Farmer Mike S]

I'm building this coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/country-acres
Now in these plans they have the roof extend over the run, plywood and shingles, which I actually expanded by about 4 feet. I was going to follow that and build the roof over the run, but my friend was making a huge deal saying I shouldn't, I should just lay chicken wire across the top of the run. Now I already have the supplies, but if I have some left over I can reuse them so no matter what I can't really lose here. I just want your opinions on this, if you have any other suggestions I'd take them too.

 

[SomersetGirl]

I think you should have it extend over at least part of the run, that way they have got some protection from the weather

 

[TwoCrows]

For 2 years, I kept my chickens in an uncovered run and just recently moved them into a covered run. MUCH better. Covered is so much better than uncovered. You won't regret covering it. It will really protect the area from getting too muddy and keep some of the elements out of the run.

 

[MoonShadows]

I, too, plan on covering part of my run for protection from rain and for a little added shade in the summer months.

 

[Trefoil]

1/2 of my run is covered and I love it. It gives them a place to be outside even when it rains, keeps the run less muddy. As far as I'm concerned that's the way to go.

 

[res]

My covered run is 12' x 18'. It is awesome to have a place for the hens to goof off when it is raining or snowing. The north side of my run is a solid wall, so it makes a great windblock, too.

I've had uncovered runs in the past, this is actually my 1st covered run. It definitely makes things easier!

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

I would cover it. It is such a pain having a muddy run, shoveling out snow, and having soaking wet birds when the weather gets below freezing at nights. Blow drying chickens takes longer than you would think!