The winter 2022/23 was a cold one, and our summer was the typical hot one with intense sun. So in 2023 we added a twelve foot section of roofing over the run, attached to the coop to provide much needed shelter from the sun, and relief from the snow.
The chickens utilized the dry area outside last winter versus staying in the coop twenty four seven, and are staying cleaner during the 2024 mud season, which means the coop, nesting boxes, and eggs they lay stay cleaner.
The roof also provides a little bit of shelter from aerial predators, while also making it slightly more intimidating for small birds to enter the coop.
We are continuing to work towards finishing the trim, paint, and interior of the coop, as well as add lighting to the coop and run as we expand the garden surrounds it.