[mohs.ayaz]

Hi guys, we built a walkin run last winter, its 18ft by 12ft n 6ft high. At the moment i have no roof on it and it gets really really muddy and smelly when it rains, i was thinking of corrugated sheets but they r bit expensive. Can any1 suggest anything cheaper..

Will appreciate any feedback :-)

Mo

[joyfull]

tarpaulin? although you would have to make sure it is pulled taught otherwise the wind could get underneath it and blow it so much that the fastenings could break.

[snow white]

I think you are just going to have a look around.  See what offers are on.  Proper roofing will last for years and years.  Have you tried Wickes, they do quite cheap roofing sheets.

[grinling]

Do not have a felted roof or mites will love it.
I have a metal roof, someone else used a garage roof(looks awful). Wendy houses are in a large "polytunnel".. dry all year and mite free. See pics on coop and run up section.

[compostqueen]

I used corrugated bituminous stuff on mine which was fitted with the correct fittings etc as I needed mine to be secure against the fox.  It was excellent and I'm glad I did it. Worth every penny

[Hen 1-0 Fox]

I'm interested in the tarpaulin option.... Pulled right and sloping so doesn't hold rainwater.

[ANHBUC]

I'm interested in the tarpaulin option.... Pulled right and sloping so doesn't hold rainwater.

You could put a layer of mesh underneath which would support it and make the run safer.   

[mohs.ayaz]

Hi guys thanks for ur replies, tarpauline doesn't sound too bad, i'll have to make higher from 1 side. I have mesh on top as well, but what about in winter, would it not start sinking when the snow sits on there.

[mohs.ayaz]

How thick should i go for, they have different thickness sizes don't they?

[grinling]

polytunnel plastic is not affected by sun ans snow and tarpaulin would be. Available at good garden centres, online and ebay. Need it tight as it can be noisy and upset the birds, you and neighbours.

[shetan]

tarps don't work.

we covered our wire topped runs with tarps and although we had them secured and wind wasn't an issue, green algae was. if you don't have a sloped roof, water will turn green - in winter - and the hens were able to jump up and peck at the underside - making small holes which became bigger and then leaked.

also, my t**t of a neighbour decided to have a bonfire next to the fence - burning embers flew over and burnt holes in them.

much better to spend a little extra money now and have it last, than cut corners and pay more later.

[Geo]

I tried the tarpaulin and it made one hell of a noise when the wind got underneath it.
Reroofed the run with heavy duty perspex. money well spent

[mohs.ayaz]

Where did u get the perspex sheets from?

[compostqueen]

I wanted a secure roof for my hens, not just to keep the rain out but also to keep the damned fox out. They can rip all sorts of loose covers so I wouldn't skimp

The thick double skin plastics are available online or from your local double glazing installers.  You need the edges to be butted up inside the proper finishing strips or the water gets inside and the whole lot goes green and yuk

[Hen 1-0 Fox]

My run is approx 12ft by 8ft and 6ft high, it is wooden and mesh with a fully meshed roof. Just need a temporary measure to see us through the winter... Although I guess the wind noise could be a problem? Hmmm undecided.