The Run

We have begun the secure run. Because we made bigger overhangs which will be enclosed we changed the run adding 12 more feet and eliminating another proposed more open run. A lot of time was spent measuring and spacing the post holes. We put 4x4 every 12' and anchored in concrete. The we built 36" on center 2x4 posts and lifted them into place. Overhead we used 2x4's and joist hangers to nail the roof panels to.

Half the run has wire and under galvanized panel roofing.





2/3 under metal roof, 1/3 clear plastic



It's actually very nice inside the run now. The dust bath is at the end with clear panel roofing.
Hope the Chickens like it!

Overhangs

Overhangs, mini roof, awnings, we need to protect the openings from the elements, mostly torrential rains during the summer. We made the first one over the large door in front. It turned out ok, more support than needed for the flimsy corrugated metal roof. I plan the same for the front and a four foot cover over the two long ventilation cutouts on east and west sides.

After the cutouts were made and covered with cloth, Ken said "what's to stop raccoons and cats climbing up to where the chickens are roosting right behind the wire and terrorizing them?"
He wanted to fence in the four foot overhang for a second level of protection from predators.
So we compromised and made the four foot bump out an 8 foot one and roofed the whole thing on both sides.

That gives us three protected runs now instead of one and Ken feels better about safer chickens.

Wire-cloth installation

The ventilation openings have been covered with wire cloth, stapled and nailed in with more wood trim.  For the base of the shed/coop we are wrapping the wirecloth around the perimeter and screwing the wire into the base of the skid framing. I found these awesome little roofing screws that have the washer and rubber gasket on them already. Perfect! It's hard to work with and bend, but we finally merged to clip it and roll it around the corners.