Is this gap a predator problem?

[Soy Milano]

Yes....here is a good infographic which tells you everything you need to know about predator proofing...http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[Picot]

Howard;
Here is the only photo i have so far. there are no other windows yet. The gap i showed earlier is along the left and right edges where the side wall meets the roof sheathing underside viewed from the front. Gap re-measured is ~3/4H x 23" long x2 on each side. The actual coop is ~4' x 4.5'. I was thinking that gap might be enough ventilation since air would enter the front door (always open)and exit the vent gaps.

I have never seen a Rat here in 20 years. Pretty rural here, back up to 1000+ acres of woodlands and river, with many foxes and hawks so even squirrels/chipmunks have a hard time living a long life... I will be using 1/2" Hardware cloth all around. Predators are a real issue/concern which is why I have not had chickens before. Time to give it my best shot.

" long

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?

 

[Picot]

Thanks.

I will be putting padlock in the gate latch. The slide bolt lower on gate is a redundant "might s well" latch so if a raccoon opens that latch they still have to get past the primary latch or rip the gate apart at the bottom. The back has a full width 15" tall flip up/open door for nest box access. It has a staple hasp with padlock as primary and 2 slide bolts on the edges. Hoping that all this will do the trick. I have wrestled with the latching....

Yes....here is a good infographic which tells you everything you need to know about predator proofing...http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[aart]

Might want to make that gap bigger(for ventilation) and cover with 1/2" HC(against preds).

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Picot
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[cmom]

What are you going to do around the bottom of your run to protect from diggers?

 

[Picot]

I will be placing 1/2" HW cloth on the underside of the whole run (on top too) and secure with 1" fender washers w/screws. I have the cloth so might as well use it up. Over the cloth I will lay a couple inches of dirt/sand fine stones.

I decided today to add a 8"x16" window on the rear wall up high. It is 1/8" clear Plexiglas so will put HW cloth over it and frame it with 1x2 pine.

 

[Trux]

A weasel could pass thru that gap.