hardware cloth attaching

[sweetpumpkinfarm]

On final stages of coop build & doing last predator proofing before ladies spend night outside. Will post pics of final run & coop for suggestions & predator proof feedback when complete but a few q’s to get there: all 6 sides are covered in 1/2” hardware cloth (except where wood coop box is). We attached hardware cloth with screws & washers—can I leave it like that or do I have to cover screws with wood (can raccoons rip it off from edges?)? Clean out door will be 2 doors that open out from middle & are entire back of box. planning on securing with 3 hasp locks & padlock on middle one, caribeeners on other 2. Is that sufficient? I’m nervous about the coop box & nesting box that open on outside as the wooden coop parts are only things that are not covered in hardware cloth. In socal so main predators are raccoons, skunks, coyotes. Thanks! size wise is its a 16x6 run with a 6x4 raised coop inside with the coop being the top back wall of run. thanks!

bad pic of it in progress but gives idea of layout. the gap between door in photo is already fixed, just posted this so you can see how all hardware cloth was attached (& if screws exposed is ok or I need to cover)

 

[rosemarythyme]

Screws with washers should be ok, however you used small washers when fender washers would be a better option (might be hard to see, but look at the amount of overlap on these washers vs the 1/2" HWC):

Or you can cover with trim wood for extra security.

Hasp locks with carabiners or padlocks would work fine.

 

[sweetpumpkinfarm]

Screws with washers should be ok, however you used small washers when fender washers would be a better option (might be hard to see, but look at the amount of overlap on these washers vs the 1/2" HWC):
View attachment 3897907

Or you can cover with trim wood for extra security.

Hasp locks with carabiners or padlocks would work fine.

I’ll add some fender washers and think about coveting as well…

 

[Callender Girl]

Good advice from @rosemarythyme. I've used both fender washers and attached 1-by-2's over the hardware cloth, depending on the job. Anything you can do to reduce the risk of predation is well worth the cost and effort.

Hope your ladies appreciate your work and enjoy their safe, new home!

 

[sweetpumpkinfarm]

Good advice from @rosemarythyme. I've used both fender washers and attached 1-by-2's over the hardware cloth, depending on the job. Anything you can do to reduce the risk of predation is well worth the cost and effort.

Hope your ladies appreciate your work and enjoy their safe, new home!

thanks for this! we are going to keep screws as is and cover all of them with 1x4 to reinforce!