One-inch rule for predators entering coop

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have read on this message board that anything greater than one inch in terms of an opening in your coop invites weasels and rats.

What about a one inch STRIP around a door? I built two A-frame coops and the doors were really difficult for me.

As a result, I have about a one inch strip that is bothering me. I keep worrying about it. I have 20 Golden Campines in there now.

Is the rule a one inch square, or a one inch strip? I have only seen pictures of weasels on here, and haven't seen rats around here.

 

[nzpouter]

overlay your doors (that means the frame of your door sits on the frame of your unit).... instead of fitting it inside the opening... that way you can control the tightness of your gap by your lock...

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

A rat can easily get through a 1" opening. Even a LARGE rat. 1/2" may keep them out.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Rats can fit through an opening the size of a quarter, mice can fit through one the size of a dime. Basically, if the skull can get through, so can the rest

 

[oldchickenlady]

When I built my run I didn't get my door quite square, so I had a gap on one side that was bigger than I was comfortable with. I just took a piece of 3/4" pvc pipe and used galvanized screws to screw it into the wood in that gap. I didn't have any scrap wood that would work at the time. You might have some that would work or you can buy pressure treated 1"x1/2" wood strip very reasonably. Just cut a length to fit the gap and nail it in. Problem solved. No gray hairs!

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote:
This is the solution I would recommend. Take a piece of wood slightly larger than the gap and screw it into the back side of the door frame, overlapping the edge of the door. Rats are found everywhere, so you definitely have the potential. Depending on where you live, you may also have snakes.

 

[lynxs1981]

Quote:
This is the easiest way to fix it. Just use a piece of trim or something screwed to the door across the gap.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
Oh dear!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you for all your answers!!!!!!!!

I've got to set to work at getting this fixed. I'm sure I'll use one of these ideas from you.

 

[woodmort]

I've posted this a number of times, including on my BYC page, but I lost 15/18 chickens to a weasel last spring that got through a hole that mice chewed through the bottom of a door. That hole was less than half an inch in diameter. Remember weasels prey on rats and mice by going into their tunnels so if a mouse can fit, so can a weasel.