Solid covering for chicken run ??

[SteveMadonnaJ]

What is everyone's thoughts on solid coverings for chicken runs? We have had rain all day here in central NC (Hurricane Matthew), and of course the run is a mud pit and the chickens are soaked through. I am in the planning stage of a bigger coop and expanding the run from 100 sq ft to 200 sq ft, but am thinking of putting a solid cover on half the run. (my current run is covered by the way) If you have any pictures that would be great.

 

[Dmontgomery]

I used to have a run that was covered all the way. The problem I had was when it rained sideways, like you are having now, the run never got enough sun to dry out. When I built the new coop I only covered an 8x16 area and keep the feeders and waters under it. The rest of the run is uncovered. Now even if we get several inches of rain in a week, it dries out much quicker. You can click on my profile page to see the coop but I have a very unusual setup, so I doubt it would help you.

 

[kgb6days]

We are also in central south NC and got 4" of rain yesterday. Our run is covered completely but it still got wet inside - just not drenched. It would have been bad if we didn't have a cover. I plan to always have a covered run even if I replace this one or add on. I will add that 1/2 of the run is covered in clear roofing so there is some sun and 1/2 with opaque so there is some shade

 

[SteveMadonnaJ]

We are also in central south NC and got 4" of rain yesterday. Our run is covered completely but it still got wet inside - just not drenched. It would have been bad if we didn't have a cover. I plan to always have a covered run even if I replace this one or add on

kgb6days ........ what kind of cover do you have?

 

[kgb6days]

kgb6days ........ what kind of cover do you have?

1/2 is clear, 1/2 is opaque Tuftex polycarb corrugated roof panels. Hubby got it at Lowes. I've been very happy with it. This summer was so hot and dry that I covered the opaque area up with a tarp just to provide more shade but we are planning on taking it down this weekend. Maybe you can tell in the photo below