2025 Omlet tractor Go Up with 5m run and new boxed auto door and covers. £950 for bundle

[cd8jbr]

Hi

 

Another newbie question I'm afraid but I'd be grateful for advice or reassurance! I am concerned that with the wind and rain we've been having that the run isn't staying as dry as I'd like. I have my 6x9x6 WIR on paving stones and have a thick layer of shavings down which has been pretty much fine up to now. The hens love it and no matter how much wind there is it stays in the run as it's in quite a sheltered corner - but it's getting quite damp round some of the edges with this weather and I'm concerned it won't do the chooks any good.

 

I was concerned that two sides were quite open to the weather so have tied clear plastic corrugated sheets up which has made a big difference and I'm sure it's made the hens happier. I'm just concerned that the back and other side are letting in some rain - the hens weren't out today because the weather was foul (no pun intended) but they still got noticeably damp from the rain. The rain was so bad I've actually tacked a waterproof membrane across the back of the run and propped a board against the other side to try to keep it dry - is this the best thing to do? Are the hens fine with some rain getting in? I have guttering on the run but note that the rain hits the wires and runs down and seeps into the run - as well as the wind blowing some rain in too.

 

My chooks are ex-batts who celebrated their 6month freedom anniversary on the 23rd so I'm very proud of them - but possibly over protective(?). They do seem happy and healthy and ALWAYS want to be out to enjoy the garden although they do know enough now to go back to the run if/when it rains.

 

I'm considering getting some more plastic sheets for the back and sides which let in the light but keep out the rain - they aren't fixed and the door won't be covered so ventilation shouldn't be a problem - is this a good idea? If/when we get good weather they can be removed and stored in the garage.

 

I'd hate to think there was something I didn't do which would be better for them....so....any advice gratefully accepted.

 

Regards

 

Jill

[Guest]

AT the end of the day - they are outside animals and don't mind the weather half as much as we do! You're getting it about right - it's just "us" humans - we want to treat them "better" - but the truth is they have lived outside quite happily for thousands of years !!! They'll be fine - if it's tooo wet they will find shelter!

[The Dogmother]

It's a good idea to give them somewhere sheltered for when the rain is really bad. It is recommended that their run is covered with something clear and waterproof as chickens which are kept on wet, muddy ground soon succumb to foot infections, and the ratio of intestinal worm eggs will rapidly shoot up in dampness.

[doctors girls]

try using clear acrylic sheets i also had a problem with the driving rain then i saw a thread on it by ANH they give protection from the rain as well as the wind

 

from this

 

 

to this

 

 

you cant tell can you

 

 

they came from a company called Trent Plastics just measure up with the size and thickness and email or ring them and they will give you a price the great thing about them is they do not flap around with the wind like tarps but make sure you secure them properly they are a bit expensive it was about £47 for these two but how many times do we change ripped tarps well worth the money it also makes the run look neater also contact ANH for her review on them

[cd8jbr]

Thanks everyone for those responses.

 

I kinda know they are 'farm animals' and accept what the weather throws at them but I'm a bit of a softie when it comes to my animals and as they are all rescues they deserve a bit of pampering. I haven't yet got central heating in there but give me time (joke! I think)

 

I like the acrylic sheets and have some over half the run but until recently didn't have a problem with the other half - I am currently thinking of covering one back and side wall with a clear tarp as there will be little real weather thrown at them most of the time. They do have shelter but I don't like the edges of the shavings getting wet as they do start to stink if that happens but it doesn't seem to bother the hens.

 

Doctor's girl I love the look of the plastic sheeting you have got - I'll have to call the company to see what I can get! As I type it's raining hard and I know my girls back at home are safe and mostly dry in their run it could be better....and soon will be I hope! heck - it's only money!

[Duncan08]

I have some clear acrylic, but it is quite expensive.

If the rain is only coming in on part of the run they should be fine. As long as part of the run is dry you don''t need to do anymore than you have already and it sounds like loads

 

I also have an emergency shower curtain. fitted with bungee hooks. If the weather gets really bad I just hook it around the run in the direction that the rain is coming in from. It isn't pretty, but its quick and easy to put on and take off again afterwards.

[The Dogmother]

Mine have a clear, reinforced market stall tarp over the run and it works very well.

[Cheeky Chooky]

I've got clear tarpaulins over and around my WIR too and they do a good job

[cd8jbr]

I thought I'd post what I actually did to get round the problems with rain getting just to see whether I'm doing the right thing or no. I got some 6 foot clear corrugated pvc roofing sheets and placed them against the run and got them held in place with ordinary rope. Since then the chooks and their shavings have stayed almost 100% dry - and considering the weather we've been having in the north east that's quite something. There is nothing over the door area however so there's lots of ventilation (and between the pvc sheets which can make it rattle a bit but that doesn't seem to bother the chooks) so that's not a problem. And as it's only held in place with rope it can be easily taken down when (IF) the weather warms up. Heat in the run certainly isn't a problem at the moment.

 

Having said all that most days the hens are free to range round the garden it's only if the weather is really bad that I keep them in. In the 6 months of their freedom they have learned now to shelter when it rains and they seem happy and healthy....so....does this sound like a reasonable set up for their WIR - I'd hate to do the wrong thing.

 

Thanks

 

Jill

[Plum]

Sounds excellent. They've got ventilation and protection, perfect.