will mice, other birds, and preditors get in the run?

[Cutie Clucker]

I am trying to figure out a way for my hens to be able to freely leave the run during the day and return at their leisure. I have seen hen doors that are small and stay open during the day and are closed at night. If that door is open, how do you prevent other birds, mice/rats, cats, etc. from sneaking in?

 

[sourland]

If the 'hen door' is open all the mentioned creatures eventually figure it out. A totally enclosed/covered hardware cloth pen is the only effective deterrent.

 

[NatJ]

I have seen hen doors that are small and stay open during the day and are closed at night. If that door is open, how do you prevent other birds, mice/rats, cats, etc. from sneaking in?

You don't.

Wild creatures often do not like enclosed spaces, and small creatures may be afraid of chickens. Some people have problems, some do not--it has a lot to do with what specific creatures live in your area, and with how those individual creatures behave. For example, your neighbor's cat may act differently than my neighbor's cat.

It's one of those things where you don't know for sure if it'll work until you try it.

 

[Cutie Clucker]

thank you everyone!