Personally, I like a covered run. Mine run is fully contained with chicken wire even on top, but I want a roof too, to keep the rain out. There's nothing worse than a muddy, soggy chicken run.
We did also lose one chicken to a hawk while they were free ranging. Even though my run is a nice size, I still like to let them free range because they're just happy chickens......I let them out as soon as I'm home from work at 5 pm. It's nice to be able to keep them in the run and know they're safe when you're too busy to keep an eye out for them.
So, I vote roof!
Good luck to ya!
Sharon
We did also lose one chicken to a hawk while they were free ranging. Even though my run is a nice size, I still like to let them free range because they're just happy chickens......I let them out as soon as I'm home from work at 5 pm. It's nice to be able to keep them in the run and know they're safe when you're too busy to keep an eye out for them.
So, I vote roof!
Good luck to ya!
Sharon