Run roof question

[Raubkatze]

We are just about done with our run build, except for needing to redo the roof. The main issue is that it keeps sagging under any amount of snow or rain. The tension we can create on the edges is not enough to keep it taught enough for it to not sag under even a small snow load (we got 3 inches a few days ago). I have a lot of ideas for long term solutions, but my short term solution is to take the tarp off and replace it with the much shorter tarp that came with this kit, which only covers 1/3rd of this run. Will that offer adequate rain shelter? Will the chickens know to go back into the coop in bad weather? Or do I absolutely need to cover my entire run? To the right of this run their are several mature trees that offer significant shade throughout the day, so I am not so worried about sun, just rain.

 

[townchicks]

The chickens will stay where they can stay dry. If the only place that is dry is the coop, that's where they will be.

 

[perkolator]

If I got snow and had one of those cheap pole structures, I'd absolutely be adding some lumber to strengthen it up, whether for a tarp or for permanent roofing panels. To me it's worth spending $300 and a weekend beefing it up to avoid having a devastating collapse in the middle of a storm. There are plenty of pics online of people modifying these pole structures for this purpose.

I'm assuming you've added the capstone perimeter on top of an anti-dig skirting, or maybe it's in place of one. If you get digging predators, they'll simply start at the outer edge and dig from there and possibly defeat the barrier. The point of anti-dig skirting is to hide it just under surface (anchor it down horizontal 18-24" outward, allow grass to grow through and hide it) so the animal hits something buried and doesn't know where the barrier starts/ends.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I would make a more permanent roof if I were you. Not having a permanent roof was the reason why my ducks got killed as they got through the tarp.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

We are just about done with our run build, except for needing to redo the roof. The main issue is that it keeps sagging under any amount of snow or rain. The tension we can create on the edges is not enough to keep it taught enough for it to not sag under even a small snow load (we got 3 inches a few days ago). I have a lot of ideas for long term solutions, but my short term solution is to take the tarp off and replace it with the much shorter tarp that came with this kit, which only covers 1/3rd of this run. Will that offer adequate rain shelter? Will the chickens know to go back into the coop in bad weather? Or do I absolutely need to cover my entire run? To the right of this run their are several mature trees that offer significant shade throughout the day, so I am not so worried about sun, just rain.

I like these kinds of enclosures but they do leave big open areas where the tarp isn't very well supported. You could try adding some metal conduit tubing horizontally to help support the tarp better.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Will the chickens know to go back into the coop in bad weather?

My chickens are not usually bothered by rain unless it is really heavy. A strong wind is more likely to send them inside than rain. You are probably thinking they must be miserable out in that rain as they wait for the rain to bring worms out of the ground where they can eat them. Trust me, they enjoy the worms much more than they hate the rain.

Or do I absolutely need to cover my entire run?

Why do people cover runs? Not everybody does, but it might be to keep chickens from flying out or predators from getting in. A tarp will keep chickens in and will keep a lot of predators out, depending on how it is attached.

Some people like it for shade, but you say that is not a consideration. My cover does not provide that much shade, most of the sun comes in from the side anyway.

Rain. If you want to keep rain out you need a solid hard roof. A soft flexible cover like a tarp will sag and collect water or snow. You might be able to come up with a way to not support the tarp at the bottom so it can drain. Something like a rain fly on a tent. With that tarp up there you can collect enough water to collapse your run.

 

[Raubkatze]

I would make a more permanent roof if I were you. Not having a permanent roof was the reason why my ducks got killed as they got through the tarp.

The roof is also covered in hardware cloth, so nothing should be able to get through from above or below.

 

[Ted Brown]

If I got snow and had one of those cheap pole structures, I'd absolutely be adding some lumber to strengthen it up, whether for a tarp or for permanent roofing panels. To me it's worth spending $300 and a weekend beefing it up to avoid having a devastating collapse in the middle of a storm. There are plenty of pics online of people modifying these pole structures for this purpose.

I'm assuming you've added the capstone perimeter on top of an anti-dig skirting, or maybe it's in place of one. If you get digging predators, they'll simply start at the outer edge and dig from there and possibly defeat the barrier. The point of anti-dig skirting is to hide it just under surface (anchor it down horizontal 18-24" outward, allow grass to grow through and hide it) so the animal hits something buried and doesn't know where the barrier starts/ends.

These are very wise words that should be followed.

I would also cut back to the 1/3 cover to minimize risk of collapse from snow as well as work&expense.