can mice climb the vertical coop walls (siding, OSB, 2x4)?

[CanadaEh]

I am re-purposing old shed for a chicken coop. The shed constructed of siding, 1/2" OSB on exterior, 2x4s, and 3/8" OSB on interior. I have already cut off the lower 2' of interior OSB all around (1' for deep litter + 1' to allow chickens to stand in the wall space and adding 7" to coop's width and depth). I am thinking of filling up the remaining covered (upper) wall cavities with fiberglass insulation (which is dirt cheap) and blocking them at the bottom so chickens could not peck it.

Given 1' gap between the insulation and deep bedding, can mice (or any other unwanted pest) still be able climb walls or corners and still set up shop there inside the wall cavity? I am in cold climate and I think insulation especially inside the wall where the roosts going to be would be beneficent.

 

[The Phantom]

Mice can climb pretty muck everything.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

Mice can climb pretty muck everything.

and i think they'd be able to jump at least a one foot, likely more

 

[The Phantom]

and i think they'd be able to jump at least a one foot, likely more

Yup

 

[Tesumph]

Yes, they can definitely climb OSB. And if they can’t climb, they’ll jump, and if they can’t jump, they’ll chew.

 

[lazy gardener]

Mice and rats are excellent climbers, and can also squeeze through (or chew through) pretty much everything. I am in Zone 4B with winter time temps often down to minus 20F. Some times temps never climb up to 0*F for weeks at a time. Insulation would help to moderate temps in both winter and summer. But given the amount of ventilation that is a REQUIREMENT in every coop (recommendation is for at least 10% of floor space or 1 s.f./bird), even in sub zero weather, your insulation will provide minimal benefit. In addition to providing good nest sites for mice and rats, that insulation will be a haven for red mites. Personally, I'd forgo the insulation and put my effort into providing good thermopane windows on S and E side of the coop. My windows/door came from town dump, and provide excellent winter time sunlight. You can see my coop in my interview. (you can paste the "address" into a search bar) Including doors, windows and nest box openings, I have 65 s.f. of ventilation in a 10 x 12 coop. I advocate for multi level vents, including floor level. While you may not use all vents all the time, if they are there, you have many options for adjusting air flow in the coop.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes, they can definitely climb OSB. And if they can’t climb, they’ll jump, and if they can’t jump, they’ll chew.

 

[townchicks]

Absolutely no question. I have seen mice and rats run straight up a wood fence.

 

[cmom]

If you put insulation and have rats or mice they will probably nest in it. I had covered the studs in one of my coops and the rats chewed through the wood and made holes so they could get in and made nests. I tore out the inner walls and replaced the wood on the outside. The coop next to it is next. I have the wood to replace the wood I'm going to cut out on it. Last year we replaced all of the roofs with metal roofs.

 

[Tesumph]

Absolutely no question. I have seen mice and rats run straight up a wood fence.

I had pet rats for many years. Even my fat lazy pets could climb basically anything with texture if they really wanted to.

Once, I put them in a 4ft high cardboard box while cleaning the cage, knowing they couldn’t climb it. Turned around and they sprung up in the air like little gazelles and cleared the top. Never underestimate rodent agility!