building a run

[clucking chicks]

Hi All!
We have a little coop / nesting box with a run underneath and I want to build a bigger run for my girls. Today I cleared a patch of garden, so that is the easy bit done!!
Before I rush to the DIY store, please can anyone advise me about the type of roof I will need. Initially, I was going to leave it open as the run is in a very shady corner, but then I started to think about rain. Oh yes and grim things that wild birds may leave if there is no roof. So, what to do about the run roof?

Also, my husband and I are not very good at DIY so any really simple hints for building this masterpiece would be appreciated! 07

Thank you!

 

[foxy]

If the run is in a shady area, and you plan to roof think about getting as much light in as possible,to discourage mould growing. Consider roofing with clear polycarbonate or clear coroline available from B&Q

 

[Marigold]

Both you and the hens will really appreciate a cover for at least part of the run, when the winter rains and snow start. You will have more room to put the feeder and dustbath out of the wet, and maybe you can improvise a perch for them to hang out on, out of the wind and rain. I have a corrugated roof over about 1/3 of my run, and we got the materials from Wickes, who do a whole set of instructions for the task online, or in leaflets instore.
The rest of the run is open, but covered with the same 1/2'' weldmesh as the sides. This helps to make the whole structure stronger, by supporting the sides to make a mesh box, and also excludes climbing foxes as well as birds and vermin that might otherwise contaminate the feeder and drinker and possibly introduce redmite. I left this part uncovered to help with the light, though it's more work to keep it clean in wet weather. However, in all but the most severe conditions the girls usually prefer to hang out there, unless they're digging under the coop.
Unless you go for the total cover option you'll need to think about mud control in the uncovered part, especially in winter conditions when the birds will spend most of their time pooing in there. I use washable rubber chippings over a base of weedproof permeable membrane, which stops the birds scratching the earth up into the chippings. This base might be a good option even if you used more traditional run flooring stuff such as wood chippings. Loose-laid slabs might be another option, as most of the rain would drain between them. The main thing is to get something down which will give good drainage underfoot.

 

[bantiekeeper]

Hi there, attach some pics of my bantam run on the allotment. Might give you some ideas. The run is 8' square and 6'6" high. The roof is made of corrugated pvc panels screwed to a frame. The side screens can be clipped on and off as required to prevent rain and snow blowing in.

 

[Jessuk]

That's amazing!! Your chooks are very luck girls!!

 

[Marigold]

That's amazing!! Your chooks are very luck girls!!

And very clucky girls, I expect!

 

[bantiekeeper]

Thanks Jessuk and Marigold. Not very "clucky" at the moment they are all Moulting!!

 

[foxy]

fantastic set-up bantie keeper! 17 08