building my first coop need advice

[lko67]

Getting ready to put soffit(?) Up and was wondering should I put hardware cloth up first in case something tries to get in if possible has 6foot walls so don't know if anything could get to it I lived in the woods and have all predators you can think of

 

[jetdog]

Better to do it now rather than I should have later

 

[Folly's place]

All openings larger than 1/2 " diameter need hardware cloth, well secured. You will regret being careless there! It's easy when building and much more difficult to retrofit especially after the disaster. Mary