Chicken Coop - gap above the nesting boxes

[KMW2021]

We just setup our OverEZ large chicken coop, we don't have chickens yet. There is a gap (big enough for me to stick a finger through) at the hinge area where the nesting box lid opens. Should I go ahead and figure out some kind of way to close this off - or leave it as some extra ventilation? We do live in an area with lots of opposums, skunks, snakes, etc.

Added pictures- it looks tiny from the outside so maybe it's okay.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC!!
Could you attach a picture?
My first thought was to add hardware cloth over the gap but I am wondering where the gap is compared to the nesting boxes.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Bienvenue to BYC! Do you have any pictures?

 

[Mellowmalt]

a gap on the side is good for ventilation, a gap on the top however would let rain in.

 

[KMW2021]

Okay - I'll have to add a picture when I get home. I wasn't sure if anyone might see this that had the same coop and could tell me their experience. Thanks for the quick replies!

 

[3KillerBs]

That leaky gap that lets rain into the nest box is a common problem with the top-hinged design.

It's possible to use a piece of flexible plastic over the hinge to keep rain out but still let the box open.

 

[aart]

Typical for those placements of hinges to leak, but I've never seen one with taht big of a gap.
Someone screwed up(too high) at the factory.

 

[Henrietta 65]

It look like it will let rain could you run a baton of thin wood along it and welcome to byc

 

[Brooks_]

A strip of roofing felt or vinyl might do the trick.

 

[KMW2021]

Typical for those placements of hinges to leak, but I've never seen one with taht big of a gap.
Someone screwed up(too high) at the factory.

Thanks! I readjusted the hinge placement and it fixed the problem. Thanks for the tip - I would have never thought of that.