Gap too big?

[SamCO]

Do these gaps need to be blocked? This is the run. The gap is the width of a 2x4 (1.5 inches). I’m in northern colorado. Probably raccoons, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions are the most common predators. Not sure if we have smaller predators.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Nice run! I'm jealous!!!

I would block any holes larger than 1/4 inch, tbh. Rats and snakes can get in there. Some predators like weasels, minks, stoats, etc. can squeeze in there.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I hope you don't mind.... I'm going to show my hubby that run. I may "borrow" your idea. It really is great, and I think it would be perfect for my situation. The roof, in particular, is what I want!

 

[Brooks_]

I would block it for snakes or rodents in my area. I would not worry about it for larger predators. Well done. It looks good.

 

[SamCO]

Thanks for the replies. I went ahead and blocked it. Better safe than sorry.

I hope you don't mind.... I'm going to show my hubby that run. I may "borrow" your idea. It really is great, and I think it would be perfect for my situation. The roof, in particular, is what I want!

Feel free! I’m really excited about it. The coop is a tuff shed that we split in half so half is coop, and half is shed. It has been such a big job, but will hopefully be worth it. We have really severe wind here, so needed something that can withstand high wind. We moved the girls in today so they can check it out. Still need to cut the pop door and then done.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thanks for the replies. I went ahead and blocked it. Better safe than sorry.

Feel free! I’m really excited about it. The coop is a tuff shed that we split in half so half is coop, and half is shed. It has been such a big job, but will hopefully be worth it. We have really severe wind here, so needed something that can withstand high wind. We moved the girls in today so they can check it out. Still need to cut the pop door and then done.

What size shed? I LOVE this idea! I was thinking about doing the same with a really BIG shed - part for chickens, part for goats, part for storage.

 

[SamCO]

The shed is 10x12 and it’s divided roughly in half so that the coop is about 7x10 and the shed is 5x10. There’s a separate door for each space. The run is approx 11x14. Wanted it to be a little bigger, but it’ll have to do. Figure can add an additional uncovered area down the road if we want. Also might give the girls access to the greenhouse we are planning in the winter.