need help designing gate to keep chickens out but let dog pass

[gorhamg]

I have a 80'x60' fenced run area the dogs share with the chickens.

The dogs get to the run via a dog door on the second floor deck. There is a stairway from the ground to the second floor deck the dogs use to get out to the run area.

I need help designing a gate to keep the chickens off the stairs to the second floor deck. The gate has to allow the dogs to pass.

I have an idea, a light weight gate with a dog door that the dogs can figure out how to use (as they have done with the dog door to the deck from inside the house) -- but the chickens will not use.

Any better ideas?

Keeping the poop off the deck before it gets cold and I cannot hose the deck due to cold temps - just want the poop off the deck for sanitary reasons too.

Thank you

 

[tdepointe]

I agree with the gate with the dog door, I would just caution you to use one that is heavy enough to not allow the chickens to open it. I had a dog door that was more like a very heavy plastic curtain like what they use on a loading dock. The hens figured out how to get in after some time.

 

[MeepBeep]

They have dog doors that require the dog/cat to have a small RFID on their collar to open, they are a little costly but it's probably your best option...

Just Google up 'RFID dog door'

 

[Weehopper]

Had a friend who incorporated a swinging, wood door at the bottom of his gate to give the dog quick access to his chicken yard. Chickens never went through it. Easy for the dog.