Is this gap a predator problem?

[Picot]

I have a new coup under construction. The coop is a modified tractor with the actual coop ~4'x4'x3' tall. My coop ventilation is along the roof to side wall interface all along the roof. Do i need to close off this area with Hardware cloth? The predators i have are fox, raccoons, etc. The gaps is ~3/4" high x 16 inches long. The coop itself sits 2 feet off the ground and the gap is about 2 feet above that.

 

[sealer39]

Mice, snakes and maybe rats would be my concern with a small gap like that.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Mice, snakes and maybe rats would be my concern with a small gap like that.

X2

 

[Picot]

X2[/QUOTE
Thanks. I thought about them but i have no rats (I think!). Some garden snakes. Will these harm the chickens or just be an egg problem? I have started pullets who won't lay for a while.

 

[bobbi-j]

Mice, snakes and maybe rats would be my concern with a small gap like that.

Along with weasels. Awful little beasts!

 

[bobbi-j]

“Thanks. I thought about them but i have no rats (I think!).”

You would be surprised at the varmints that appear once you get chickens.

 

[budershank]

It may not be a problem but if it was me I'd rather spend the time and little extra money to make it a non-issue.

 

[cmom]

I have a gap like that along my roof line also on some of my coops. I have had nothing get in through the gap that I know of. Possibly rats, mice or snakes could but I don't worry about it and I have had my coops a very long time and have observed nothing. Oops, I saw a Carolina Wren go through the gap in one of my coops. It also depends where you live and the predators you have. Once the predators have discovered your birds and any places they can get in to get to them they will. It would have to be pretty small to squeeze through that gap. Good luck and have fun...

 

[Howard E]

In addition to your predator concerns, that gap is part of your ventilation and light equation. Depending on your geographic location, it may be a plus or minus. Also depends on what else you have for ventilation and light.

Can you provide a photo of the whole coop.....including windows, if any?

 

[Howard E]

PS: Rats could pass through that gap with ease.