What is better, Run with or without a roof????

[aart]

Hi! What a lovely run! What are the dimensions? And what did you use to support the roof?

Details here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-coop-page

 

[MLG1900]

Our original run did not have a roof. We had a large coop 8ft by 12 ft. Figured they could go inside there when the weather was bad. The run was always filthy and muddy. They never wanted to be inside the coop unless they were laying eggs, so even in the rain they would be outside under a tree getting soaking wet. Last summer, my husband helped me finish installing a roof. The run is now dry, their food and water is always dry, and they are actually dry because they hang out there when it rains, too! The gate is always open. So, they have the option to go under the trees or outside of the covered run. But they choose not to be wet now.

 

[jnicholes]

I'd have a roof. Let me tell you why. I've had Hawks go after my chickens when I had them. Fortunately, I had a really tough rabbit who chased the Hawks off.

Even then, I lost chickens. A roof would be advised.

 

[Folly's place]

We originally had a run with a chicken wire roof, and it kept the raptors out just fine. In winter, the birds declined to play in the snow out there, so finally we had the whole thing rebuilt, with a real roof. Much better!
Mary