Help!!!(Quick if you can!!!)

[di]

Just wondering how others have made cover/rainproof for their chook runs??
We "had" used a tarp attatched tightly(we thought!!)to a frame.However the high winds have made absolutely darned sure that it weren't tight enough!!!
Has anyone got piccies or good explanation of what they've done?It's a pretty large run,height about 6ft,so needing something that can withstand high winds!!!
I know it's a tall order,but if there's anyone out there now that can offer advice then would be so much appreciated.....we'll be off soon & it would be nice to be able to work on someones tried/tested/proven designs as opposed to bluffing our way through it again!!
Thankyou!!!!

[Suechooks]

Hi
I've used Onduline attached to wooden beams on the first 6 feet of my run nearest the hut. I've also used some Feather board and polythene sheet on the side of the prevailing wind and a barrier of straw bales at right angles to each other, inside to keep them cosy! The Onduline needs good support as it bends quite easily but with guttering and a good slope it is useful for collecting water too (my chooks are kept on my allotment). Hope this helps.

[di]

Cheers Sue,..had to google onduline!!probably not as strong but B&Qhave some relatively cheap corrugated plastic sheets...may come to getting some of them.We're now off to make our 2nd attempt....if it's any good then we'll take pics to share!....but noone hold your breath!!
Thanks again...& welcome to the vine!x

[lynda66]

sorry di haven't built mine yet ..... but i'll be watching for ideas

[Glutton4...]

We've been discussing the same topic - just been out and put up a windbreak (as used when camping) and an old parasol - all pushed into the ground as far as they will go.

With the high winds forecast, I expect we'll need guy-ropes too. Was going to put the Gazebo up on short legs for them, but can't find it since we moved

[Two_Sheds]

Was going to put the Gazebo up on short legs for them, but can't find it since we moved

It's blown away into the next county

[Two_Sheds]

Just wondering how others have made cover/rainproof for their chook runs?

I need help too - I just discovered that the brand spanking new guinea pig hutch/run isn't waterproof... what is the s0dding point of an outdoor hutch if it ain't rainproof?

[BrideXIII]

I need help too - I just discovered that the brand spanking new guinea pig hutch/run isn't waterproof... what is the s0dding point of an outdoor hutch if it ain't rainproof?

right, temp fix for this, you will need black bin bags and drawing pins.

start at the lowest point of the roof, layering them like roof tiles so that water runs off onto the next one pinning them as you go. then put one final one on the on the pitch of the roof if it has one.
when you have more time, you can get some proper roofing stuff like you put on sheds.

[MaureenHall]

Touch wood, so far the low-down gazebo I put up for the chooks hasn't blown away. The chooks won't shelter under it though, it just keeps the feed dry

[Suechooks]

If you can manage it I'd still go for the Onduline - it's much stronger and the plastic corrugated sheeting is quite flimsy - someone on my allotment site used it and it came adrift in the first gales. Onduline is the best stuff to use on chicken huts too - nowhere for the red mite to lurk and it provides good ventilation without draughts or rain getting in. My chooks have stayed warm and dry even in today's downpours! My hut has it on the roof and is 3 years old with no signs of wear and tear. Good luck!

[Two_Sheds]

right, temp fix for this, you will need black bin bags and drawing pins. start at the lowest point of the roof, layering them like roof tiles

thanks for that, sounds ideal.
Would you like to be the one to tell Mr Sheds he has to go and do it, now, in the dark and the rain ?
Maybe it can wait till the morrow.

[frias]

Touch wood, so far the low-down gazebo I put up for the chooks hasn't blown away. The chooks won't shelter under it though, it just keeps the feed dry

I use a small childs gazebo cut off at the legs to keep the food dry too. Used to use it for the cat to shelter. (Now departed) not sure how it will hold if it gets much windier though.

[BrideXIII]

thanks for that, sounds ideal.
Would you like to be the one to tell Mr Sheds he has to go and do it, now, in the dark and the rain ?
Maybe it can wait till the morrow.

well if he is reluctant, put him on and i will have a quiet word in his shell like, and you might want to tell him he won't be able to do anything if he has webbed feet and croaks

[di]

I need help too - I just discovered that the brand spanking new guinea pig hutch/run isn't waterproof... what is the s0dding point of an outdoor hutch if it ain't rainproof?

Was it sold as waterproof??If so,before making alterations to it I'd be taking it back to where I got it!...otherwise Brides suggestion sounds sound!!

[di]

Well the good news!!....Andi sorted the chooks out on the way to work & the extra tightened tarp has withstood the blowing gales of last night!!!
Still looking to improve so bring on more ideas!!!......not to say those given already aren't good ones,but would be nice to have a pick from a few!!Cheers!