Winter wonderland

[Suzi18]

I have a 10x12 run and I am thinking about putting up clear plexiglass panels all around it for the winter. I know it would be an investment up front but I could store them and reuse them every year. I live right on Lake Erie and the winters can be brutal. I could also take away a panel here or there if we get a brief warm up and take down the back panels...then the side....and finally the front as the warm weather approaches. Anyone else done this and if so what did you use?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some people do it. I would be careful you don't create a warm cold scenario for your chickens, and that there is plenty of ventilation to keep from having a moisture buildup. If your chickens don't properly acclimate to your temperatures it could cause more problems.

I too am interested in hearing how it has worked out for people.

 

[Suzi18]

I thought about that and thought maybe if I left a 3 inch gap along the top, on both sides, it would keep it well ventilated. What do you think?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That may work, depends on how much it heats up inside. I haven't done it, I've contemplated it for my bantams run, but I don't know if it's worth the investment either. If no one else answers you may have to experiment, though I've read enough posts about it last year that someone hopefully will add their two cents.

 

[aart]

Would be great!
Do you get Lake Effect snow in Sandusky?
Might want to leave the south side open for ventilation and to avoid a greenhouse effect?
Would you post pics of your run, that would help garner suggestions?

 

[Suzi18]

Yes we sure do get lake effect snow. I am mainly hoping to keep out the snow and wind, freezing rain, slush and whatever else mother nature hurls at us Ohio Lakeshore communities. I like the idea of leaving the south side open or at least the top half of the south side. The south side faces a privacy fence so it's already some what protected. I will take some pics tomorrow and I really appreciate the suggestions

 

[blackdog043]

It's sounds like your on the right track. Just a suggestion, it might be more cost effective to use clear plastic this year, to see how it goes. Once you get your pics up, it will be easier to suggest ideas.

 

[TalkALittle]

I'm in New England, so don't have to deal with the lake effect that you do. However, I do use clear plastic tarps (stretched taut and secured with bungee fasteners thru eyehooks) to keep the snow and wind out of my covered run. It works wonderfully and my girls enjoy their run all year round. In a real stiff wind the tarps do flap a bit, but they've withstood blizzards with no damage.

They are open about 6" at the eaves and I will often roll one side up or down on mild days. On that side I have a mesh sun shade (made for dog kennels) hung under the clear tarp and raise one or both to control ventilation. The mesh alone can block a fair wind and keeps snow from blowing in.

I would suggest that you go with panels on the 3 sides where your prevailing winds blow from but consider a clear tarp on the 4th side. I find it so easy to just roll it up, fold it down or flip a corner up or down as needed.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

I live in SW Ohio, so weather is more moderate. We use a clear tarp (like the kind used on party tents) on the first 1/2 of the north side. It help break the wind and keep out blowing snow. Maybe just covering the prevailing wind side may be enough. If you have a sunny, warm day, the run may heat up too much.

 

[Suzi18]

I'm in New England, so don't have to deal with the lake effect that you do. However, I do use clear plastic tarps (stretched taut and secured with bungee fasteners thru eyehooks) to keep the snow and wind out of my covered run. It works wonderfully and my girls enjoy their run all year round. In a real stiff wind the tarps do flap a bit, but they've withstood blizzards with no damage.

They are open about 6" at the eaves and I will often roll one side up or down on mild days. On that side I have a mesh sun shade (made for dog kennels) hung under the clear tarp and raise one or both to control ventilation. The mesh alone can block a fair wind and keeps snow from blowing in.

I would suggest that you go with panels on the 3 sides where your prevailing winds blow from but consider a clear tarp on the 4th side. I find it so easy to just roll it up, fold it down or flip a corner up or down as needed.

Thank you so much for the input. I like the idea of clear tarps but I have never seen any. Where did you get yours? Sounds much easier and cheaper