Coop security question

[Amber Lu]

I am building my coop under an existing roof and using one shed wall.
One wall under the roof will be made of single layer pallets backed with hardware cloth. I am also framing behind it using 2x4.

The plan is to staple the hardware cloth to the back of the pallets and then screw the pallets on to a 2x4. Do I need to add washers if hardware cloth is sandwiched between the pallet and a 2x4?

 

[MadGardener]

Why build with intact pallets? It's not so hard to pry boards off with the right tools. Your wood would stretch farther and the build would be more stable.

I'd be concerned about 1 in pallet boards as the bread in that hardware cloth sammich. I've busted through quite a few, especially if they're older.

 

[Amber Lu]

Why build with intact pallets? It's not so hard to pry boards off with the right tools. Your wood would stretch farther and the build would be more stable.

I'd be concerned about 1 in pallet boards as the bread in that hardware cloth sammich. I've busted through quite a few, especially if they're older.

What if I attached the hardware cloth directly to the 2x4s with screws and washers? I am mostly using the pallets to offer shade and a little extra protection from the elements.

 

[MARANMAN2011]

I would ise them what are they .20 better to be safe then sorry

 

[Amber Lu]

This is what I'm working with =)

 

[MadGardener]

What if I attached the hardware cloth directly to the 2x4s with screws and washers? I am mostly using the pallets to offer shade and a little extra protection from the elements.

Definitely a step up to use a 2x4.

This is what I'm working with =)

You're adding 2 walls to box the space in?

 

[Amber Lu]

3 walls. It used to be just a concrete slab. I already framed and put up smart siding. I need to add 1 wall and a human and chicken door- and I am learning as I go.

 

[MadGardener]

What is your climate, and what kind of predators?

I'd suggest to frame both sides of the pallets if you want to stack them as they are. If it was me I'd use 4x4 for the corners.

 

[Amber Lu]

What is your climate, and what kind of predators?

I'd suggest to frame both sides of the pallets if you want to stack them as they are. If it was me I'd use 4x4 for the corners.

We are near Portland, Or. Usually not extreme weather, but wet.
Predators are hawks, raccoons, possums, and outdoor domestic cats. Maybe a neighborhood dog, but in 15 Years, there has only really been one pomeranian that we see running loose.

 

[MadGardener]

This structure was in place when I moved into my place in 2020. I'm not sure how old it is. My house was built in 2006, and owned for 3 years by the folks I bought from. The original people gardened, kept bees, etc. Local gossip says the folks I bought from wanted to grow weed & mushrooms here but had a falling out. The state the place was left in makes me wonder if it was built by the "original" owners, anf this is 5 or more years old.

I call this the chicken coop, but I'm not positive that's what it wass. The "shed" portion is framed by 4x4s, with 2x4s laid between the pallets like how a window would be framed. The "fence" portion has no framing. I really need to tear it down and tear these pallets apart before they rot more, but I thought this may be a good illustration for you.