Coop window question...

[quiltnchik]

We currently have a 4' x 4' x 6' coop with 7 chickens (I know, I know - it's too small, but DH is going to expand it soon). I wasn't planning on keeping all 7 because I believe at least 5 of them are roos, but I will be expanding my flock again at some point. Anyway...

My current coop has a large window in the back over the nest box (approximately 4' x 2') currently covered in chicken wire. The window is only open during the day and is closed and locked at night. We are getting ready to remove the chicken wire and replace it with 1/2" x 1/2" hardware cloth, so I'm wondering if I can then SAFELY leave the window open all night or will it still need to be closed and locked to prevent predators? I'd love to be able to leave it open for ventilation purposes, but I want to make sure that it will be safe to do so. Also, what is the best way to secure the hardware cloth to make it more "predator proof?"

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Well I dont know if I would trust hardware cloth overnight, but some may disagree.

How far off the ground is the window?
Have you had any problems in the past?

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
How far off the ground is the window? About 3'

Have you had any problems in the past? None thus far, but we only moved to this house two weeks ago (it's in the country on 3 acres - we lived in an HoA before that and did have foxes, 'possums, etc. around, but our dog's house was right beside the coop).

Also, I was mistaken. The hardware cloth that we bought for the coop window is 1/4" x 1/4", not 1/2" x 1/2" - if that makes a difference...

Barring leaving the window open all night, how else can I give the chicks more ventilation and ensure they aren't getting too hot while in the coop (they're in there for about 10 hours per night)?

 

[FaithAnn]

We just built our coop and the window is just an open space with hardware cloth nailed to it. It is nailed to the inside very well, so we hope this will do the trick. I have seen other people do the same, so I think it has proven effective as long as you do a good job of nailing it down.

 

[Judy]

The hardware cloth should be fine. Many on here feel the way to secure it is with screws through fender washers. Another option is wooden or metal strips secured with screws or nails. Staples tend to not be a good option. Just think of a very strong coon using very agile paws to try to pull it loose, and make it is strong enough they can't.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I'm not sure how you would nail hardware cloth down so a coon could not tear it loose, unless using a strip or bending about half the nail over. Not saying it can't be done, just I don't know how.

 

[will hunt for food]

I have two windows on the front wall of our coop, and 1 large window on the back. They stay open 24/7, and have hardware cloth on them (screws/fender washers). I am in NC, and it stays pretty hot all summer. I can't imagine closing the windows at night. I also have 2 eave vents with hardware cloth.

And yes, we have your run of the mill predators. I have caught fox, raccoons and 'possums.

 

[jafo]

1/4" hardware cloth will be fine, as long as you use screws, long enough to hold it down WITH fender washers. What we did, was trim the outside of the window thats hinged, with 2x3's all the way around on the outside. Then I cut the hardware cloth to fit the dimensions of the window and the trim, and skrewed it to the INSIDE of the plywood, inside the coop. And I put 1 1/2" skrews with fender washers, about every 4 inches. 1 1/2 skrews to go through the washer, through the wire, through the plywood, and almost through the 2x3. This would take a coon the size of a bear to get in,and by that time, he'd be more worried about me, than chicken dinner,,,,,,,,,,As far as ventilation, I went to a builder supply, home center and purchased two floor registers you'd see in a warm air heating system, for about $7.00 each, then cut them in in the peaks of our coop. They are 4x12' inchers. They are adjustable and close completely, or I just leave 'em open till winter. Finally, we ALWAYS close and lock ALL doors and windows every night. The more barriers the better. If you'd like pics, pm me

 

[FaithAnn]

Quote:
I'm not sure how you would nail hardware cloth down so a coon could not tear it loose, unless using a strip or bending about half the nail over. Not saying it can't be done, just I don't know how.

We bought nails for "poultry wire". It is essentially nails that are bent in half with a point on each end, makes a "U". They work great, you can get them in all different sizes. They are sometimes called "fencing nails" I believe.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I'm not sure how you would nail hardware cloth down so a coon could not tear it loose, unless using a strip or bending about half the nail over. Not saying it can't be done, just I don't know how.

We bought nails for "poultry wire". It is essentially nails that are bent in half with a point on each end, makes a "U". They work great, you can get them in all different sizes. They are sometimes called "fencing nails" I believe.

Ah. They're also often called staples, or fence staples, at least around here. I'd never heard them called nails. Learn something new every day.