Winterizing Run

[hippiechickadee]

I have enclosed the run with thick plastic and I am going to the tarp up later over the roof:



None of it is "airtight" and it's not meant to keep out the cold, just the "wet".

My concern is my roosters sanity. He is rather upset that he can't see outside anymore. Will he get over it? or did I do something wrong?

 

[smcgill]

Yours looks great!
I just did half of the run.



Half of the roof is covered.


He still doesn't trust me!
I think he likes it though .
Sean

PS. Air flow!!! I hope you leave to end open.

 

[hippiechickadee]

Yours looks really great! And your rooster is funny! So handsome I know what you mean about them not trusting, I can tell they don't me right now.

I did not leave an end open, but none of it is really sealed tight either. The tarp for example has plenty of space between each nail holding it down so air can get in.

If you think this isn't good enough, I can open up a side. I'm a newbie and always looking for advice

 

[Fancypants1]

Started winterizing my run this weekend too.

 

[hippiechickadee]

Looks great! I have opened up one of my sides again. I hope it was a good choice on sides, lol. My luck is it will be the windiest. They are happier being able to see out again.

 

[aart]

I've already asked smcgill and fancypants on their own threads where they posted their tarping...

....now I'll ask you hippchickadee....How do you plan on keeping the snowload off that tarp?

I ask because I learned the hard way with a collapse and near collapse....figure it out now instead of after the fact.

Looks great! I have opened up one of my sides again. I hope it was a good choice on sides, lol. My luck is it will be the windiest. They are happier being able to see out again.

 

[hippiechickadee]

I've already asked smcgill and fancypants on their own threads where they posted their tarping...

....now I'll ask you hippchickadee....How do you plan on keeping the snowload off that tarp?

I ask because I learned the hard way with a collapse and near collapse....figure it out now instead of after the fact.

That is a great question. I had planned on sweeping it off onto the right side (the left will be shoveled, thats where we walk) we get a lot of snow up here too... I was planning on clearing it in intervals kind of like I do the cars.

Maybe I should stick a 2X2 in the middle for an added support bar?

 

[aart]

Quote: Do you have a tool that will reach all the way across the roof from one side?

Adding 2x2's , or 2x4's, all the way down the middle ridge line would help but they would have to be supported by verticals/posts going down to the ground.

 

[Fancypants1]

I plan to be out sweeping off the tarp as much as possible. The other thing I plan on doing (first winter with chickens) is just using and dowel and going into the run and poking the dowel threw the chicken wire to push off any stuck on snow and ice.

 

[EagleEyes]

I'm not posting this to burst anyone's bubble, but for us who live in the great snow belt, which is a big chunk of the USA, snow is not created equal.
Remember that heavy wet snow, you know, the kind that breaks branches off of trees, sticks to your shovel, and clogs snow blowers?
Well, that snow will take down any tarp covered run, and it will probably happen at night when you are asleep.
I plan on being vigilant keeping the snow off of my steel roof covered run, and it's 7' wide, and supported by lumber.
I wish that I had suggestions for you, but do not.

I do wish you the best though.