Cover for cattle panel run

[Krugerrand]

So, I'm getting ready to start construction on my small cattle panel run for up to 4 hens (any roosters will have to go). The plan is to anchor 2 cattle panels with 6 steel T-posts. Prior to raising the panels, I'll attach 1/2" hardware cloth to the entire panels.

On of my chicks is a silkie, which will heighten the need for me to keep the run area protected from rain and snow. So, I'm trying to figure out how to best cover the run. Options I've seen in researching: plastic, tarps, landscape fabric, shade cloth.

Landscape fabric and shade cloth off the advantages of air permeating through to allow for better air circulation and reduce 'kite affects.' Plastic and tarps help to keep heat contained (winter positive, summer negative). Plastic can let in some light.

What have you used and liked best? Do you use a set it and leave it approach or raise and lower it based on the weather? How often should I expect to have to change it out?

 

[mowin]

I covered half my run with a HD tarp from ocean state job lot. It's silver. Been on there going on 3 yrs ago still looks great.

 

[Krugerrand]

I covered half my run with a HD tarp from ocean state job lot. It's silver. Been on there going on 3 yrs ago still looks great.

Do you leave the front/back open?

 

[mowin]

Do you leave the front/back open?

My run is attached to my coop, and the front is framed and sided with a door. Hears a pic during the building process. I covered the half closest to the coop with the tarp.

 

[3KillerBs]

The usual practice is to cover part of the hoop structure with a heavy-duty tarp. Some people use plastic or metal roofing instead. Have you seen this article? https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/top-10-hoop-coop-ideas.76490/

I always like part covered and part open to allow the chickens to choose how much sun, shade, rain, or shelter they want at a particular time.

 

[aart]

Landscape fabric and shade cloth off the advantages of air permeating through to allow for better air circulation and reduce 'kite affects.'

Landscape fabric is not going to let much air thru.
Even shade cloths can be quite impermeable to airflow, tho do help with kiting.
Remember snow load.

 

[Krugerrand]

The usual practice is to cover part of the hoop structure with a heavy-duty tarp. Some people use plastic or metal roofing instead. Have you seen this article? https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/top-10-hoop-coop-ideas.76490/

I always like part covered and part open to allow the chickens to choose how much sun, shade, rain, or shelter they want at a particular time.

Yes, those are some helpful articles for getting this setup. I plan on using @dheltzel 's elevated door approach. That will be good for when there is snow on the ground. Plus it makes the most straightforward approach for ensuring predator protection around the door area.



I particularly like @21hens-incharge covering technique with the PVC pipes and clips. This looks to be a method of switching to shade cloth in the summer and plastic in the winter.

I did lose a ton of pics in the last upgrade BYC did.

My hoop run and coop it is attached to.
View attachment 2236621
Plastic installed for winter protection.
View attachment 2236622
Shade cloth on for summer. This reminds me to run out and add a second layer for added depth of shade.
View attachment 2236627
This past November. We had 2+' of snow.

I'm planning a small run ... so I'm not sure how much space I'll have for keeping some open and some closed. If I can break it down in 4' sections, it would be possible.

 

[Krugerrand]

Landscape fabric is not going to let much air thru.
Even shade cloths can be quite impermeable to airflow, tho do help with kiting.
Remember snow load.

I'm liking Blooie's approach with the landscape fabric. (I'm assuming it will cost less than the shade fabric.

It's all worked beautifully. It withstands our 60+ mph Wyoming winds, snow load, and looks just as good today as the day we finished it. It's so sturdy we can even hang the 5 gallon water bucket and feeders from the top. We put white vinyl lattice up in front of it because we live on a corner lot in town and the setup is visible from two sides of the street. For shading, we just tossed a roll of landscape fabric over it. The landscape fabric is "sewn" to pre-drilled metal lath strips we bought at Lowes and we can roll them up or down like window shades to control how much sunlight goes in. It's breathable, so stagnant, warm air doesn't collect at the top like it would with a tarp. When it rains, the rain runs down it instead of soaking in. (Have you ever put that stuff down then watered? The water stands on top and then runs to the nearest opening, not soaking in right away)

Apparently her experience was to go back to landscape fabric after trying a reflective tarp:

We tried using a "reflective' tarp at this point - it was a disaster! Too hot, too stuffy, not enough air circulation. We went back to landscape fabric.

But the consensus does seem to be plastic for winter.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Have you looked into getting a used billboard vinyl as a tarp alternative? They are thicker, and about the same price, less reliant on the strength of the grommets (a typical fail point). Granted, your birds will have to look at an advertisement, but...

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes, those are some helpful articles for getting this setup. I plan on using @dheltzel 's elevated door approach. That will be good for when there is snow on the ground. Plus it makes the most straightforward approach for ensuring predator protection around the door area.



I particularly like @21hens-incharge covering technique with the PVC pipes and clips. This looks to be a method of switching to shade cloth in the summer and plastic in the winter.



I'm planning a small run ... so I'm not sure how much space I'll have for keeping some open and some closed. If I can break it down in 4' sections, it would be possible.

The shade cloth I use.....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Easy-Gardener-Shade-Fabric-By-the-Foot/3028059

Sold by the foot in 6' width. I have had mine over 7 years now and it's still holding up really well. Grommets are carried in store as well as at least 3 colors of shade cloth.