Another "shower curtain" winterization...

[res]

Another poster on BYC has suggested and used clear vinyl shower curtains to winterize their run. It sounded like an affordable and durable idea, so I gave it a shot... It wasn't as hard to install as I had imagined, it was actual super easy on the 2nd section when I started at the top instead of the bottom. Cost for the project was $11 for 2 shower curtains (project required 4, but I already had 2 at home).


This section was the 2nd one I installed. It is "threaded" at the top using some poly wire that I had lying around. The top is actually quite tight, almost tighter than the bottom where it is held down with screws. I also used a cut open feed sack for the narrow section to the right. It was a perfect fit... Bottom is held in place with either sheet metal screws w/rubberized washers, or decking screws with 1/2" washers, just to spread the tension a bit further than the screw head. The sheet metal screws are INFINTELY easier to handle than the decking screws + washers, as the sheet metal screws hold onto their washers even when upside down.

Close up of the threading with the poly wire. I also overlapped the 2 curtains by 3 "holes" and then zip tied those holes together.


Middle is secured with plywood strips and more decking screws.


This is the 1st section I installed, and I actually used caribiner snaps on the top, so it can be dropped down for ventilation. In this photo, it is dropped and the whole 12'x3' section is open for airflow.


Used a brown/silver tarp on this side. Same method of install - sheet metal screws and plywood strips.


And... the roost I threw together today for the run. Had all the "parts" laying around, so figured, "why not?". The girls have already been using it today, even though they free range, they had to come check out what I was doing in their house.


Crud! Forgot to rotate this one before I uploaded it. This is the nest boxes in the run...

 

[jorey]

I was hoping someone would post up close pics. Thank you. I'm planning on doing this to my run as well.

 

[res]

I forgot to mention - definitely use 5 mm or thicker shower curtains. One of the curtains I used is a 2.5 mm, and there is a HUGE difference in the thickness - go figure! I'm pretty certain the 5 mm will hold up to at least a season of use, maybe multiple seasons... But the 2.5 mm curtain might need replaced before the end of the winter. The cost difference between the 2 thicknesses was a few dollars, which could add up if you have a big run. I personally put more value on how long the curtain will last vs. the initial cost.

 

[jorey]

Thanks for that tip. I ll look for 5 or thicker then.

 

[sn0wwhite]

It's nice to see the various ways to do this. I'm planning to make shower curtain panels in about 2 weeks. I have a few other projects I have to finish first!

 

[yogifink]

Res, they look great. You did a really good Job!

 

[res]

A little update... I ditched the caribiner clips. They just couldn't hold the side up with enough tension to withstand the wind. It was really billowing and puffing out. I threaded that side, same as the other. Nice and tight, and no more billowing/flapping. I do have the curtains INSIDE the fence - a profile from outside the run to inside would go fence, boards, curtains. So instead of blowing into my run fence, my curtains blow away, but they actually aren't moving because they are so tight. (I can't put them outside the fence because then they would be on the horse side, and I am sure my horses would destroy them...)

We had a very hard freeze here last night, and when I went in the run after sunrise, it was definitely above freezing - so warm I started sweating! I am sure it does cool off when the sun goes down, but it sure warms up fast when the sun rises! It is staying bone-dry, not like a humid greenhouse at all since I have ventilation on the top 12" under the eaves of all 4 sides.

 

[sn0wwhite]

Great update and good to know about those carabiners.

 

[res]

Another update.... I've opened the coop back up to the whole flock. The mama hen is integrated into the flock with her chicks, so everybody is together again to go where they please. BUT! Only half of my hens actually come in the coop at night now. The rest are so comfortable in the shower-curtain-covered run that they prefer to sleep out there on the new roost! Must mean it is cozy!