Authentic Woods KD (Knock Down) 10' by 16' Coop Build

[Ted Brown]

First "close call"...

We were watching the ladies and I noticed that the HC on one of the front windows was bowed out with the edge of the wire pulled down and slipped under the frame edge.

The first window that was done with HC had six screw/washer combos, one on each corner and one at the middle of top and bottom. On the other three windows these middle screw/washer combos were forgotten (will now be installed).

After some thought I surmise that an animal, most likely a raccoon, was attempting to get in by hanging on the 1/2" HC and pulling on it. For certain it was not done by the birds, far too strong. We also have fisher and otter, possibilities but too small I believe; certainly not mink or fox their claw structure is not right and strength too small.

We were fortunate in the sense that the defenses held but startled at the close call. I will re-examine current installations of the HC in the six openings we have and fortify if/where necessary.

 

[jthornton]

An electric fence also will help keep the predators from even getting close to the coop.

JT

 

[aart]

We were watching the ladies and I noticed that the HC on one of the front windows was bowed out with the edge of the wire pulled down and slipped under the frame edge.

Yikes!!
Like right about here....or up top windows?
Need more than 3 attachments on a window that wide,
trim screws/nails should go thru HC too.

 

[Folly's place]

Our HC is first stapled in with fence staples, then 1"x4" boards are screwed in over that, all into the framing. It can't be too well attached!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

The lower 4' also has 2"x4" woven wire over the hardware cloth, as added security if big dogs show up. In bear country, I'd add electric.
Mary

 

[Ted Brown]

Thank you all for the advice.

@aart that is the location but on the window to the right.

We have just come in from re-enforcing all of the window HC cloth. More screw/washer combos as well as many more nails through the trim and hardware cloth. The nails are spiral finishing nails so difficult to remove.

@Folly's place Mary, i do not have staples in but have a bag that I can use. I will go back at it Wednesday, trip into town tomorrow.

We do have bear in the area but in 30 years I have never seen one in the immediate vicinity; I have seem them 3 times along the edges of corn fields or going into the bush; also do not have any reports of bear attacks on people anywhere nearby. BUT they are around so anything could happen.

 

[aart]

The nails are spiral finishing nails so difficult to remove.

Good reason to not use them!!
I hate spiral nails, had to remove many from my shed when re-roofing and then when building coop. I would have re-sided the shed too, but yep, spirals there too. SMH.
Sorry, ranting on a pet peeve.

also do not have any reports of bear attacks on people anywhere nearby.

What about chickens, bears love chicken feed. Might want to start reading this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-treatise-on-electric-fencing.1117877/

 

[Ted Brown]

Good reason to not use them!!
I hate spiral nails, had to remove many from my shed when re-roofing and then when building coop. I would have re-sided the shed too, but yep, spirals there too. SMH.
Sorry, ranting on a pet peeve.


What about chickens, bears love chicken feed. Might want to start reading this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-treatise-on-electric-fencing.1117877/

Been there, done that although the ones I hate are the big spiral 3" construction nails. 90+% of the time I use screws unless I have shear force issues to contend with. I am going to go back out and use @Folly's place suggestion of fence staples.

I have read the many recommendations on e-fencing, sort of thought I could get away without it. Now I am itching to fry some predator noses!

 

[aart]

I hate are the big spiral 3" construction nails

That's what I was dealing with.

90+% of the time I use screws unless I have shear force issues to contend with.

Same here, deck or drywall, will do for about any chicken accouterments. I just disassembled a grazing frame that had been outside for 5 years, the 1" dry wall screws still in fine shape other than a dusting of rust.

fence staples

Don't care much for those either at least in smaller lumber. Hard to hold and drive straight, splits the wood. Probably fine in big ole fence posts.

 

[jthornton]

I hate spiral nails

Just curious do you mean "ring shank" nails or "screw shank" nails?

Smooth, screw, ring but the screw shank is made from twisted wire and not run through a threader in this photo like typical pallet nails.

JT