Plastic Strips in coop door?

[lynxs1981]

You could try using strips or fabric till they got used to the idea, then switched to something a little heavier.

 

[jmagill]

I bought a non skid floor mat in the kitchen department of Walmart for 10.00.
kind of like a big mouse pad. I cut it in half and screwed it over the opening with half of the opening uncovered.
The chickens had no problem pushing in. Then I moved it to cover the whole opening and cut it up the middle.'
They were already used the it so they just pushed through and went in.

It is pliable and and water proof. I think it will work great for keeping the cold out through the winter. It will be on the inside and a door will close over it on the outside.

 

[Ohhhdear]

OK... got the materials and started installing the strips. The girls just push past the strips into the open part of the door. There's actually 4 strips now in the opening which are a bit difficult to see, sorry. The pic was taken when there were only 3.
The strips came in one long attached piece, but the each strip was perforated to tear off in a 24" section, with several holes pre-drilled in the top of each strip. Since my door opening is 18", I just cut the holed end off to length and galvanized sheet metal screws to attach the overlapping strips to the inside frame of the door.
I'll add another picture when I get it finished.

Btw, it was hilarious trying to install the strips with curious chickens insisting on inspecting the procedure and commenting the entire time on the disruption of their coop! I think every single hen either pushed her beak into the coop or flew up into the back opening.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

That's great Ohhhdear! I was wondering how it was going for you and now I know. It sounds like it might be easier to get them accustomed to it than shade cloth; perhaps because they can see through it? Thanks for sharing!

 

[Ohhhdear]

Well, they can see through the vinyl strips; they're clear. My DH installed the last 2 strips late this afternoon, and it was a kick watching the girls decide how to get through them. They've been just sidling past the hanging strips, but now the opening was covered with them even though they could see inside the coop through the strips.
Half the chickens just pushed right past the strips and into the coop to settle down for the evening. The other 6 dilly-dallied outside, talking to themselves and discussing the obstruction. One hen sat at the top of the ramp, poked her head in and out, in and out, then pulled back to "talk" to her impatient sisters squished beneath her on the ramp.
Finally after about 10 minutes I picked her up and pushed her through, then the rest followed her inside.

I'll try to get a picture tomorrow morning as they barrel out through the hanging strips. Out's no problem... In may be a little problematical for another day or so. I might remove one strip so they are happier, then add it later in the weekend.