Would hens FIT through an open cat door? 6"x6"/15.88cmx15.88cm

[Catalina]

They might fit through, but you could have problems with scratched combs.

 

[rosedairy]

What size would any of you recommend then, without knowing a breed in particular?

 

[Omran]

Quote:
I would make a door at least 24"x24"

Omran

 

[lichick28]

I went to a window factory & got a small double insulated glass bathroom window about 24x12 wide that my husband installed in our coop. My 8lb Maran fits thru just fine plus it has a latch to lock at night for predators. cost was $20.00

 

[Hen'nbiddies]

What a great question and great answers! I am just starting my coop/run but hadn't gotten as far as what size to make the door. A latching window sounds like a great idea. If making it really inexpensively is the goal I could always put two guides on either side of the door on the inside, and a sliding panel with a latch of some sort to block the door at night.
Thanks!

 

[rosedairy]

Quote:
That's a really cool idea! I think I may try that, with the help of a handyman. That's the cost of the cat door, too, so maybe I can find one for a similar price. Hot dog!

Do you go out every night to lock it, or do you leave it open some nights? (Like summer)

 

[lichick28]

Yes I go out at night 4:30 for winter and just take count of the girls & lock it just in case their is a super smart raccoon that knows how to lift up the window. I dont think you have to hire a handy man. We didnt cut the hole to fit the window. We cut it smaller so that just the glass fit in the cut out & drilled screws into the wood/window frame. The window was thicker then the shed wall so I framed the window on the inside with 2x4. It was really easy. Also put 2x2 around the outside to make it look finished.

 

[rosedairy]

Quote:
Hey, I was able to incorporate the shed window AS a pophole like you said-- silly me, there was already a window there to use! It's up in the air, but I can have stair-stepping perches going down the side. You can't see it, but I used cement block to make stairs, and I have aviary netting over the top!

Take a look :

 

[lichick28]

All you have to do is use your imagination & then teach the girls what you want them to do. I was outside the window to see that first girl come out of their new window/door. I was so happy it worked.