Omlet chicken run, pros and cons?

[Weeg]

Hey everyone! For a while now I've been trying to find a way to fix my current run setup. It works, but isn't ideal. Its muddy (with ducks its unavoidable lol), not sturdy, and falls over due to the snow load in the winter. I'de build a better one, but lack of time makes that difficult. Plus, the boys wouldn't help unless it was done their way, which would be made of steel etc. Theres function in that, but its costly, and very time consuming.
I've seen other members with the Omlet run, and decided to look into it. I'm happy to see that its made fo steel, and looks easy to put together. I'de be using it to house my ducks, and 5 standard chickens, then have my bantams in the tractor.
We'd probably cover it with roofing once we got it, but guessing that will be simple enough.
So what do you like about it? What do you dislike? It will need to hold a snow load, think its capable? I can brush the snow off as well if necessary, but it seems pretty strong on the website.
I'm thinking about the 10 x 16 ft for dimensions, that would be 10 feet per bird, 10 ducks 5 chickens. Kinda tight, but they'll get to free range often, and I think they would be willing to sacrifice some space for a dry setup.
Lastly, do you think it would work to put sand down on the inside of the run after they eat the grass away? I want to move the run to a different spot so I can avoid the muddy mess, and start over.
Tell me what you like, what you don't like, and if you have any suggestions. Thanks for your time!

 

[My Three Chicks]

Hi Weeg. I think you may have also PM'ed me but I'll reply here for the potential benefit to other members!

We originally started with the Eglu Coop and attached run that was 3'x9'. I have 4 standard size chickens. Then I had a fence around a larger extended run. But my girls were jumping/flying over the 5' high fence. Plus we have hawks and coyotes here so I knew we needed a run with a top. So we got the Omlet Walk In Run...which we absolutely love!

My girls don't currently get to free range because I have a dog. So we got the largest configuration they have online. Which is 9' wide by 24' long. And 6'7" tall. It's worked out awesome! It is very secure and sturdy. No problem to add a cover and it will have l no issue supporting snow. The roof is angled so it will also melt and drain off nicely. We are in Southern California so don't get much precipitation fortunately (well unfortunate for the water supply and environment).
I'm in the process of adding flooring since my grass has now all been eaten and destroyed. Will likely use wood chips and pine bedding per suggestions from other members. I'll probably add and 'edging' around the run so it doesn't get kicked out all over the place.

In terms of assembly...parts came in 21 boxes! But with great instructions. Think a big piece of IKEA furniture! I assembled it myself! I'm handy but no construction worker so I'd say it's easy. It took me probably 10-12 hours of hands-on time over 2 days. Mine was a non-standard assembly since I was working up against the house (with different equipment like electrical panel, raceways, pipes, etc.) I was working around and also in the back I wanted it tucked under the trees so did some customization to it.

I don't know anything about ducks but I'd say purchase the largest you can manage, even if they get to free range. The product is not cheap but a great investment you'll use forever (if you wanted to!).

Gosh I can't even think what I don't like about it...

Anyhow this is a very long reply so I'll stop there for now. But let me know if you want to know anything else. We love their products and I'm happy to share if it's helpful!

 

[Weeg]

Thank you so much, this is such great info! I definitly want to err on the bigger side, because I feel that 10 x 16 is still going to be cramped.
I'm so glad you like it! I really like the idea of the run, and even with the price think its totally worth it.
I appreciate your input for sure, I wish I could say that we didn't have much precipitation, which I don't mind, but it makes having ducks just that much harder.
I'm definitely considering this setup, thank you for taking the time to write this reply, its very helpful.

 

[Weeg]

My other question is, if I wanted to add a coop to this, does it have a way to connect the run to the coop? Like a smaller chicken door I could push the coop up against?

 

[My Three Chicks]

My other question is, if I wanted to add a coop to this, does it have a way to connect the run to the coop? Like a smaller chicken door I could push the coop up against?

If you don't want to put the coop inside, then I think you could just put the coop on the outside of the run but right up against the run, then use strong wire cutters and cut your own opening to match up with the coop door opening. Does that make sense?
I actually had to cut around some of those things along my house.

 

[Weeg]

If you don't want to put the coop inside, then I think you could just put the coop on the outside of the run but right up against the run, then use strong wire cutters and cut your own opening to match up with the coop door opening. Does that make sense?
I actually had to cut around some of those things along my house.

Got it, thats what I was think gin for worst case scenario. I did see in the photos that theres a door to attach an igloo coop and run from the outside, but I think you have to buy the igloo coop with it, you can't get it with just the door opening.
I'll have to consider that.

 

[3KillerBs]

Since you'd have to wrap it in hardware cloth anyway, you might want to consider how much you want to pay for the Omelet name as opposed to buying a chainlink dog kennel.

I'm in the south now, but I grew up as a Yankee and I know that no flat roof will take serious snow load so consider that as well.

 

[BleuSaphir]

It look well design and made but awfully expensive at the same time.

 

[Weeg]

Thank you for the input everyone! I was hoping we wouldn't have to wrap it in hardware cloth since we will lock them in a secure coop at night. We have dogs and lots of people running around the property during the day, so I'm not to concerned about predators reaching through when there in the run.
I will look into other options though, this is exactly the information I wanted to hear.
I was concerned about the flat roof for sure.

 

[Weeg]

I've done a bit more digging, and the only issue that I've found is that any large chicken run you can find online other than Omlet, is wrapped in chicken wire instead of anything sturdy. Dog kennels are great being wrapped in chainlink, but I can't find one in the size I'm looking for, and even the larger ones are close to the same price as Omlet.
Would it be worth it to buy one of the chicken runs and wrap the chicken wire with hardware cloth after that?
I was't to worried about the size of the Omlet bars because at least it was sturdy, but chicken wire is just to flimsy for me to be comfortable.
Any suggestions, brands or links to dog kennels with the demotions- 10 x 20?