The Poultry Keeper

loubielou · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 25 Location: North Devon

OK, I have found a guy who makes really great coops in Cardiff Dancing

but I need to let him know whether to build me an integral run that is onduline covered or just mesh roofed.

So, I need opinions please, the more the better:

Would you have a covered run or not?
(What do the chickens do in the rain if run not covered??? Rolling Eyes

)

I really appreciate all your help, and I will try to keep the dumb questions to a minimum now!? Embarassed

Lou

Bhindi · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 10:00 am Post subject:

I have a clear plastic roof on mine. I thought through the winter it would be very dark and gloomy under it if I had onduline, and it would stop any plants from growing in there too. Also the light is crucial for egg laying, so though I don't believe in artificial light, I do want them to have natural light.

Personally, if its affordable I would highly recomend covering them with a solid roof. When its chucking it down for a whole days, or those occasional torrential downpours, you will be grateful, (and so will they). Also the benefits are that you get the cover if your out their attending them, (assuming its tall enough)

and then theres also the benefit of keeping them safer from predators too.

loubielou · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 25 Location: North Devon

Oh, I hadn't thought of the light, but you're right, especially as one side of the run is vertually up to the hedge. Mmm, I wonder if the run could have clear plastic or polywall stuff and the coop onduline. Good point, thanks for raising it!

mojo · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

perfect solution half oderline half mesh........if aviflu returns just cover mesh with plastic sheet.......that way the birds can choose their weather

Magpie · Joined: 28 Aug 2007 Posts: 541 Location: Norfolk

Mine are all covered with onduline (for the taller runs) or clear 3" corrugated sheet for the shorter ones. Don't forget to put a layer of ply or weldmesh underneath the sheeting to stop small birds and especially rats/weasels getting in under the corrugations.

There are some photos of mine in the Avian Flu section

Tim Smile