Protecting Your Chickens: Covering The Chicken Run

Chicken runs are outdoor enclosures attached to chicken coops. They provide chickens with a safe outdoor space to roam and forage. Chicken runs can be covered to protect chickens from predators, inclement weather, and debris. Common materials used to cover chicken runs include tarps, corrugated steel or plastic roofing, welded wire, and fencing. It is important to consider the size of the run, the strength of the materials, and the local climate when constructing a covered chicken run.

Use a tarp or mesh to cover the run

Tarps or mesh are a great way to cover the top of a chicken run. They are easy to install and can provide multiple benefits for your chickens. Firstly, they offer protection from the elements, including shade from the sun, shelter from rain, and a barrier from falling debris. This helps to keep the bedding in the run dry and fresh for longer, which is important for your chickens' comfort and health.

When choosing a tarp, consider the climate you live in. If you're in a warm climate, opt for a heavy-duty tarp that blocks out UV rays and provides ample shade. For colder climates, a clear tarp will allow more sunlight to penetrate while still keeping snow and ice at bay. Combination covers are also available, which can be positioned on the top or sides of the run to adjust the amount of light and provide a windbreak. Ensure that the tarp is securely fastened to withstand any weather conditions.

Mesh is another excellent option for covering your chicken run. It provides a barrier that protects your chickens from aerial predators such as hawks, while still allowing airflow and sunlight to pass through. Hardware cloth, a type of small-mesh welded wire fencing, is recommended for its effectiveness against predators. You can also use chicken wire, which is more affordable, for the upper sections of the run. Don't forget to bury the mesh a few inches underground to prevent predators from digging their way in.

Once the tarp or mesh is installed, you can enhance your chickens' living space with various accessories. For example, adding perches, such as the PoleTree Customizable Chicken Perch, provides multiple levels for your chickens to rest and roost. Ground-level entertainment, such as Pendant Peck Toys, keeps your chickens engaged and reduces the attraction of rodents. A Chicken Swing is another popular addition that provides hours of fun for your feathered friends.

Opt for corrugated steel roofing

If you want a long-lasting and durable option for covering the top of your chicken run, corrugated steel roofing is a great choice. This option is ideal for those who live in areas with heavy snowfall, as it can withstand the weight of snow and prevent it from entering the run. Not only will it keep your chickens safe and dry, but it will also provide protection from falling debris and avian flu, which can be spread by the droppings of birds flying overhead.

Corrugated steel roofing is a sturdy and reliable option that will provide ample shelter for your chickens. It is important to note that you should consider the climate in your area when choosing the colour of your steel roofing. For those in warmer climates, a lighter colour is recommended to reflect sunlight and keep the chicken run cool. Conversely, if you live in a colder region, a darker colour will absorb more sunlight and help keep the chickens warm during the winter months.

When installing corrugated steel roofing, it is crucial to ensure that it is properly secured to withstand strong winds and potential impacts from falling debris. You may also want to consider adding a layer of insulation underneath the steel roofing to regulate the temperature and create a more comfortable environment for your chickens. This can be especially beneficial if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.

Additionally, you can enhance the functionality of your corrugated steel roof by incorporating a gutter system. This will allow you to collect rainwater, which can be beneficial for various purposes, such as cleaning the chicken run or even watering nearby plants. Proper water management can also help prevent the formation of muddy areas around the chicken run, maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for your chickens. Materials like hemp, pine straw, and concrete slabs can be used for flooring to manage water absorption and drainage.

Corrugated steel roofing is a durable and low-maintenance option for covering your chicken run. By considering factors such as climate, insulation, and water management, you can create a safe and comfortable space for your chickens to thrive. Remember to consult with professionals or experienced individuals if you have any questions or concerns during the installation process.

Bury fencing at least 6 inches below ground

When building a chicken run, it is important to remember that some predators are known to dig under fences to reach their prey. To prevent this, it is recommended that you bury fencing at least 6 inches below the ground. You can use hardware cloth, which is the gold standard, but it is pretty expensive. Alternatively, you can opt for a hybrid system, using hardware cloth on the bottom section where predators are most likely to come through, and then using cheaper chicken wire up top.

For added protection, dig a trench along the outside of the chicken run and bury the hardware mesh 8-12 inches deep to prevent predators from digging their way in. Use U-nails to secure the hardware mesh and staples for the chicken wire. Ensure that you also add chicken wire along the roof edge by the trusses.

While you can build your own coop door, buying one might be a more cost-effective option. Remember to install a sturdy access door. A simple screen door or recycled storm door can be used, but the push-button latches may not be sufficient to keep out raccoons. Consider adding a gate latch secured with a carabiner or a padlock.

Choose a cover depending on the climate

When choosing a cover for your chicken run, it's important to consider your local climate. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you have two options: use a material with large holes that won't collect snow, or build a support structure strong enough to bear the weight of snow.

In warmer climates, it's beneficial to use heavy-duty covers that block out as much sunlight as possible. This reduces the number of UV rays that reach your chickens and provides shade. Conversely, in colder climates, clear covers are preferable as they allow sunlight to enter while keeping snow and ice out. Combination covers are also available, which can be positioned on top or on the sides of the run to adjust the amount of light that enters. Positioning the cover on the side of the run can also provide a windbreak, which is ideal for windier locations.

Corrugated steel roofing is another option that can be used to keep snow and rain out of the chicken run. One chicken owner reports using corrugated steel for the roof and plastic for the sides to prevent snow from blowing in. They also recommend using an opaque plastic roofing material called Tuftex.

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, consider adding a topping to the floor of your chicken run. This could be something like Aubiose (horse bedding) or its poultry equivalent, AubiChick. While these options can be expensive, they are highly absorbent and can help keep your chickens dry. Another option is to use hemp bedding, which is more affordable and absorbs moisture for longer, but it doesn't handle excessive wetness well.

Add accessories to a covered run

Once you've covered your chicken run, you can start adding accessories for your chickens to enjoy. Here are some ideas to enhance your chickens' comfort and entertainment:

Perches and Toys

A customizable perch, such as the PoleTree, can offer multiple levels of perching space. You can outfit it with individual and connecting perches and even treat dishes. Pendant Peck Toys provide fun at ground level and help keep the run tidy by reducing visits from rodents. A chicken swing is another great option to keep your chickens entertained.

Bedding

Even with a covered run, your chickens will need bedding. If you don't have a chicken tractor, you can use natural flooring media such as shavings or straw. However, if your chickens have access to grass, they will likely enjoy scratching and digging for bugs and worms, so you may not need to add bedding. Just be aware that they can quickly destroy any grass in their run.

If you have a concrete base, you'll need to add an absorbent topping, such as Aubiose (horse bedding) or its poultry equivalent, AubiChick. Hemp bedding is another option, but like most beddings, it doesn't handle moisture well. Pine pellets are effective but require regular turning and are expensive. Bark bedding is generally too costly for even small coops or runs and is not ideal as it turns to slush and harbours mould spores and mites.

Leaves and pine needles can work well on a concrete base, but they must be kept dry to prevent mould spores that can affect chickens' respiratory systems. Chopped straw is inexpensive but not absorbent, and moisture can become an issue.

Temperature Protection

Adding Temperature Protection accessories to your coop can help insulate it, keeping your chickens comfortable in any climate. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.

Access Door

Install a sturdy access door to your chicken run. A simple screen door may not be sufficient to keep out predators like raccoons, so consider adding a gate latch secured with a carabiner or a padlock.

Frequently asked questions