Hardware cloth for roof?

[MommA2K]

Hi! We have four Speckled Sussex chicks and I’m currently working on a coop design. We have the run already built so I’m fine tuning the coop. I’m worried about adequate ventilation as the coop is going to be built inside of a pre-existing shed. Could I use hardware cloth for the roofing material considering they’re already inside a building? So basically four walls and open on the top with the hardware cloth in place. I was thinking in the colder months (we live in central MN) we could put some straw bales/plastic to help keep them warm but still have space open for ventilation.

This is my first time raising chickens and I’m nervous! I’ve wanted them for so long I just want to do it right. This is almost harder than raising kids!
Thanks for all your input!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

The only thing that may cause a problem with using hardware cloth for roofing is rain and snow. Your coop with get soaking wet! Can you cut out windows instead and use hardware cloth to cover them?

 

[MommA2K]

The only thing that may cause a problem with using hardware cloth for roofing is rain and snow. Your coop with get soaking wet! Can you cut out windows instead and use hardware cloth to cover them?

The coop will be inside a shed! Essentially it’s a barn I guess, but we just use it for random storage. My main concern was ventilation and that they might not feel safe enough while in their coop at night? Gosh, that sounds kind of silly when I write it out. I know there are chickens out there on farms that run all over and sleep in trees. It’s just so new to me and I feel like I’ve researched the same things over and over!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

As long as they are protected from the elements, then yes, your design will be fine as long as there is ventilation as well in The shed/barn as well. Good luck!

 

[shawn.dearie]

I hope it will work because that is exactly what I did!!!

My coop/run is 30' long. I covered half of it with a roof, and left the other half open to give them some vitamin D and get in the sun... Also to help cut down on cost a little vs roofing.

 

[featherhead007]

Gets cold in MN. be ready to put a board over the wire roof coop so the hens can huddle together for warmth if needed. Otherwise, hardware cloth is fine!

 

[MommA2K]

Gets cold in MN. be ready to put a board over the wire roof coop so the hens can huddle together for warmth if needed. Otherwise, hardware cloth is fine!

Our coop will be 4’x8’, how much would you recommend boarding off? I’m so worried about not having enough ventilation, but I want to keep them comfortable in the winter too. I have a feeling it will be a “wait and see” scenario though and adjust accordingly.

 

[MommA2K]

I hope it will work because that is exactly what I did!!!

My coop/run is 30' long. I covered half of it with a roof, and left the other half open to give them some vitamin D and get in the sun... Also to help cut down on cost a little vs roofing.

That’s beautiful!!

 

[aart]

So basically four walls and open on the top with the hardware cloth in place.

That's about what I did, HC wall and ceiling....take a look here.

Show us your shed....inside and out.

I have a feeling it will be a “wait and see” scenario though and adjust accordingly.

Nah, plan it out, built it right first, harder to do it later.
Top hinged windows that can be open all summer and closed in winter.
Soffit vents for all year around.

Oh, and...... Welcome to BYC! @MommA2K
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Alaskan]

Our coop will be 4’x8’, how much would you recommend boarding off? I’m so worried about not having enough ventilation, but I want to keep them comfortable in the winter too. I have a feeling it will be a “wait and see” scenario though and adjust accordingly.

It hugely depends on how drafty the barn is.... if rodents will be running on the hardware cloth roof.... how much space is above that roof...

A hardware cloth roof can be great to keep the chickens out of the rafters.