Supporting snow in winter

[WthrLady]

I think it looks great! I was definitely planning to cover the sides with plastic tarps as well (i really like the idea of getting a few of the disposable shower curtains at the 99 cent store because they are nice and thick but also very clear) Sounds like the consensus is "Stop being lazy, build a proper roof" i think deep down i knew this but was looking for someone to tell me there was an easier way lol! thanks!

I use the clear corregated panels from Lowes. $20 you can cut them with scissors, attach with screws and they last for YEARS. I am on winter 5 with mine.

 

[kylemsenger]

Thanks everyone, I used the advice here plus some i found in other areas of the forum on coop design and came up with some modifications i believe will definitely hold the snow.
I have attached pictures below.
Bonus pictures of our 3-week old Easter Eggers as they were out enjoying the 70-74 degree weather yesterday. We decided after this to discontinue the heat lamp indoors.

 

[aart]

NICE roof framing!!
I assume it has a nice slope away from other building?

 

[kylemsenger]

NICE roof framing!!
I assume it has a nice slope away from other building?

Yes it has about 12 inches of slope over 8ft...i would have liked more but was limited by the height of the garage

 

[aart]

Yes it has about 12 inches of slope over 8ft...i would have liked more but was limited by the height of the garage

That should be plenty for rain and snow melt....
...and plenty sturdy enough not to have to rake off accumulation.

 

[WthrLady]

There ya go!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Much better! I would also add more 2x4's vertically to the run, and consider 2"x4" woven wire over the lower four ft. of the run hardware cloth, for added predator protection. Do you have a hardware cloth apron, or something to keep out diggers?
And, in winter, you can staple sheet plastic to the lower 5' or 6' of the run for wind protection, and have them out in it all the time.
Nice build!
Mary

 

[kylemsenger]

Welcome! Much better! I would also add more 2x4's vertically to the run, and consider 2"x4" woven wire over the lower four ft. of the run hardware cloth, for added predator protection. Do you have a hardware cloth apron, or something to keep out diggers?
And, in winter, you can staple sheet plastic to the lower 5' or 6' of the run for wind protection, and have them out in it all the time.
Nice build!
Mary

Yes, we have a 1.5ft apron off the run to prevent diggers it will eventually just be buried but right now it is covered with pavers until the pavers go into use elsewhere. I definitely plan to cover the sides with plastic in winter. But I am curious why the woven wire would be necessary in addition to the hardware cloth? I haven't heard of a coon getting thru hardware cloth that was properly secured...does this happen? I am in the city with a 6ft privacy fence so worst we really get are possum, raccoons, cats, skunks and rats.(occasionally a ground hog?) Stray dogs can't enter the yard and we don't have coyotes or foxes here.

 

[Folly's place]

Maybe you are good without the woven wire then. I worry about large dogs showing up here in the country. We don't have bears (yet) anyway.
Mary

 

[tripletfeb]

Hello fellow Clevelander! This will be my first winter with chickens too. My roof looks like your finished product. Let's hope for a mild winter, no lake effect! Although I do think your design will hold the snow load. Good luck!