Nesting box vs coop vs run

[schatzi011]

Thanks for your replies. I will make some substantial adjustments to the design. I'm not going to have anything underneath it as I'll just attach it to the aviary.

Also, the aviary has 16 gauge wire, which is a lot stronger than 19 gauge. It is at 1/2" spacing. Mice and even small rats can get inside the aviary, but they haven't for a while. When the come in, I trap like crazy to trap it, then I am rodent free for several months.

 

[imnukensc]

Nice little coop you've linked. It should fit 3 chickens quite well. It's over built for your climate. No need for the insulation and as previously stated, it needs more ventilation.

 

[aart]

It is at 1/2" spacing. Mice and even small rats can get inside the aviary, but they haven't for a while. When the come in, I trap like crazy to trap it, then I am rodent free for several months.

Are they actually going thru the 1/2" mesh...

...or digging under the bottoms of the aviary walls..or getting thru some gap inthe framing???
Post pics of your aviary, please?

Might need an apron:
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC (unless you have small rodents like rats)...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[schatzi011]

I imagine the rat came in through a slightly larger gap at a junction. I have the bottom backfilled with dirt, so I can see if they are digging under. I had an opossum digging under for a few nights in a row, but after snap traps and sticky traps attacked him, he never came back (I thought it was a big rat at first and was trying to catch him!).

Can rats/mice hurt the chickens? Raccoons live nearby, but they've never been able to get into the aviary. Birds of prey have also tried, but there's no way they can get through either.

 

[Molpet]

I imagine the rat came in through a slightly larger gap at a junction. I have the bottom backfilled with dirt, so I can see if they are digging under. I had an opossum digging under for a few nights in a row, but after snap traps and sticky traps attacked him, he never came back (I thought it was a big rat at first and was trying to catch him!).

Can rats/mice hurt the chickens? Raccoons live nearby, but they've never been able to get into the aviary. Birds of prey have also tried, but there's no way they can get through either.

yes they can
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=882628815221606

 

[schatzi011]

Holy cow!!! That video is crazy!

 

[aart]

yes they can
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=882628815221606