Help! Stray Mama with Five Kittens

A stray cat took up in our Pole barn and had 5 kittens in the shed area of the building. I've done a lot of research on cats and have been feeding and looking after the little ones for 5 weeks. My problem is the little ones want out of the shed now and are climbing high and trying to go out through the roof area following their mom. It's not safe outside. Am I just being over protective? I have an appt. to get the mom spayed when she finishes nursing and have been advertising for homes for the wee ones when their ready. How can I keep these little guys safe and keep them in the barn? I've never had cats before. Someone dropped off the mother cat at my house.

No, you are not being overprotective.  Once the kittens get out, it is awfully dangerous out there.  I take it you can't bring them into the house?  That would certainly help socialize them and get them used to being inside and ready for homes.  If not, can you bring some toys to them, maybe?  Ping pong balls are cheap and they love them!

If they don't have windows to look out of, can you use a screen door on the shed door?  Reinforce it with a second layer of screen or wire grid.  You should make sure every other opening is reinforced, too.

Also, mom can be spayed now.  If she's been outside the shed, she may very well be pregnant already.  Make an appointment for her ASAP.

Thank you so much for helping them!