Converting a shed

[rosemarythyme]

How wide/tall are the biggest openings? At a glance, mice might be the only concern with that.

 

[Chickens on the Fly]

How wide/tall are the biggest openings? At a glance, mice might be the only concern with that.

The openings are approximately 1"x1/2".

 

[Folly's place]

My storm shy dog dug right through it to get into the house. And openings larger than 1/2" square will let in rats and weasels.
If our dog could get through it, and the heavier duty stuff, so can any raccoon.
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

The openings are approximately 1"x1/2".

So mice, rats and small snakes could potentially fit without bending the metal. How much of a issue that could be depends on what the pest/predator load is in your area.

 

[Folly's place]

Add hardware cloth, in addition to that screen, so you have two layers of protection. More is always better!
Mary

 

[Chickens on the Fly]

My concern is the location of the chicken entrance as well. High up is fine for young birds but the older and heavier they get their flying ability is greatly affected.

Yeah, that's my concern and a good point. I had an experienced chicken keeper friend over today and we looked at options. I think I'm going to re-route my run fencing to include one of the main shed doors and use that for their entrance. That way I can preserve the integrity of the shed and I'll also be able to lock it up securely at night.

 

[3KillerBs]

Yeah, that's my concern and a good point. I had an experienced chicken keeper friend over today and we looked at options. I think I'm going to re-route my run fencing to include one of the main shed doors and use that for their entrance. That way I can preserve the integrity of the shed and I'll also be able to lock it up securely at night.
View attachment 2568743

If you replaced that door with hardware cloth you'd go a long way to solving the ventilation problem.

 

[Folly's place]

Make a big window opening in that door, covered in hardware cloth. And more openings on other walls, high up.
Mary