Snow vs. protection for run covering?

[jmb52]

Hello! I am in the process of building a run and want it to be very secure, and I have a question about how to cover it. We live in a wooded area and for sure have hawks, foxes, and raccoons. Supposedly our region may have least weasels according to our DNR website. We also get a lot of snow some winters. I was going to cover the run with 1/2" hardware cloth for the predator protection, but I'm hesitant due to the likelihood of snow build-up. Would 1" hardware cloth fare better in heavy snow while also keeping out small predators like a least weasel just in case they are around? The run is a little over 6' tall. Thanks!!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I chose to cover my run with a metal roof to keep out the rain and snow.
My sister was able to find her metal sheets for her run roof from a farmer that just tore down a shed, they were free.

 

[Alaskan]

This is the top of my bantam coop this past winter.

The top of the coop part is a truck topper, the top of the run is concrete reinforcing wire (holes 4x4 inches) with a layer of chicken wire. Isn't chicken wire about 1 inch holes?

In my climate, the humidity is high enough it will stick to all overhead wire and net, hole size doesn't matter. I know in interior Alaska where it is dry, the snow does NOT stick to wire.

So, at my place snow tends to stick to wire, as can be seen in the picture.

When it reached about 2 feet deep of snow up there... I had the kids knock a bunch off...

The door is crooked because a hinge has come loose, nothing to do with the snow load. The supports of the roof are strong enough that nothing busted.

It is REALLY hard for me to keep out the tiny weasels... so I watch for them, and trap as needed.

The coop and run is great with all other predators.

Summer photo:

My bantam coop article has more photos.

A solid roofed run is even better, especially if you have snow for long periods, since a snow free area for the chickens to exercise is great.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Solid roof would be the best choice, provided it's properly supported and slanted to allow snow to fall off.

I don't know how well weasels climb... if they can climb onto the top of the run, they can probably fit through 1" openings.

1" openings will get snow build up. I have 2" openings in my netting and still get snow piling up unless it's super dry, powdery snow.

 

[jmb52]

I chose to cover my run with a metal roof to keep out the rain and snow.
My sister was able to find her metal sheets for her run roof from a farmer that just tore down a shed, they were free.

Part of our run will have a roof but about half will need wire. What a deal for your sister!

 

[aart]

Would 1" hardware cloth fare better in heavy snow while also keeping out small predators like a least weasel just in case they are around?

Would not keep the weasels out, and would likely catch the snow too.
My run roof is 2x4(not meant to be totally pred proof) even it can catch the snow if it's wet snow or freezing rain comes first.
I'd invest in a roof rake...and make sure you can access places to use it effectively.

 

[jmb52]

This is the top of my bantam coop this past winter.

View attachment 2732418
The top of the coop part is a truck topper, the top of the run is concrete reinforcing wire (holes 4x4 inches) with a layer of chicken wire. Isn't chicken wire about 1 inch holes?

In my climate, the humidity is high enough it will stick to all overhead wire and net, hole size doesn't matter. I know in interior Alaska where it is dry, the snow does NOT stick to wire.

So, at my place snow tends to stick to wire, as can be seen in the picture.

When it reached about 2 feet deep of snow up there... I had the kids knock a bunch off...

The door is crooked because a hinge has come loose, nothing to do with the snow load. The supports of the roof are strong enough that nothing busted.

It is REALLY hard for me to keep out the tiny weasels... so I watch for them, and trap as needed.

The coop and run is great with all other predators.

Summer photo:

View attachment 2732424

My bantam coop article has more photos.

A solid roofed run is even better, especially if you have snow for long periods, since a snow free area for the chickens to exercise is great.

You brought up some great points and I appreciate the pictures! Thank you for your response!

 

[jmb52]

Solid roof would be the best choice, provided it's properly supported and slanted to allow snow to fall off.

I don't know how well weasels climb... if they can climb onto the top of the run, they can probably fit through 1" openings.

1" openings will get snow build up. I have 2" openings in my netting and still get snow piling up unless it's super dry, powdery snow.

It helps to know the 1” would still get snow build up anyway! Not worth it if it’ll compromise protection and still hold the snow. Thank you!

 

[jmb52]

Would not keep the weasels out, and would likely catch the snow too.
My run roof is 2x4(not meant to be totally pred proof) even it can catch the snow if it's wet snow or freezing rain comes first.
I'd invest in a roof rake...and make sure you can access places to use it effectively.

This confirmation that the 1” wouldn’t be as predator proof and would still hold snow anyway is just what I needed to know! Thank you!

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

Building off this thread, I am having a debate with my builder (hubby) on the covered vs uncovered run. My coop is 8x8, run will ideally be L shaped and about 160-200 sq ft. The short arm of L will dissect the coop with pop door on one side of HC and human door on other side for open access. Hot wire will be present for bear, coyotes, etc.
I would like 75% of the entire run covered with metal roof pitched for snow and rain shed. The debate is that hubby thinks it does not need to be covered that much and only the short L is needed. Feeder will be in run for summer, coop for winter. I want chickens out everyday 365 unless weather conditions dictate otherwise, meaning t'storm, blizzard. I get about 150-250 in snow/yr. Am I unreasonable on coverage amt? We have extra material from home build so cost is no issue. Thx all