Hardware cloth in coop, help!

[Amlong712]

so, i put the hardware cloth on all windows and the bottom..picture below (stapled to the bottom of the coop).. now what can i put on the hardware cloth thats on the floor? Theres a strip that sticks up, so it would end up cutting them, and I honestly dont want that to happen! Please help!

Sidenote - i plan to add nesting boxes when theyre a little older and closer to laying, and add a ramp out one of the windows once i build a run! For now, they go in a large dog cage for outside time since theyre still in the brooder!

 

[Auntiejessi3]

I would take that out of the inside and use it to make an apron on the outside, also use some screws with washers to secure the HWC to the windows, staples won't be strong enough

 

[Amlong712]

I would take that out of the inside and use it to make an apron on the outside, also use some screws with washers to secure the HWC to the windows, staples won't be strong enough

I can definitely do that, thank you! I didnt even think about staples not being strong enough! I'll definitely be fixing that as well!

 

[mowin]

X2 on removing the HC from the bottom. Apron will be safer for the birds. And windows are not secure.

What is the structure made out of? Looks like paneling of some sort? If so I'd sandwich the wall and HC from the inside and outside with 1x3's.

 

[Folly's place]

We added 1"x 4" wood strips over the stapled hardware cloth, screwed into the framing of the building. Also, that hardware cloth floor, by itself, will be awful to shovel out. I'd take it out, and do the outside skirt instead. If you are keeping it as a floor, add something on top. Treated lumber? Sheet vinyl flooring? Concrete? Some more reasonable surface, so shoveling the bedding will be possible.
Mary

 

[Amlong712]

X2 on removing the HC from the bottom. Apron will be safer for the birds. And windows are not secure.

What is the structure made out of? Looks like paneling of some sort? If so I'd sandwich the wall and HC from the inside and outside with 1x3's.

Its from a wooden playhouse for kids! I plan to correctly fix the windows!

 

[Folly's place]

It's very cute!
Adding your approximate location to your profile helps a lot too. And consider how sturdy it is (or isn't), because chicken loving predators come in all sizes! Think about two big dogs, could they tear it up?
In bear country, electric fencing is needed. Anywhere, electric fencing is not a bad plan.
Ventilation looks good, unless you are in a very hot climate. Anywhere, opening the peaks gives good overhead ventilation too.
Mary

 

[Amlong712]

We added 1"x 4" wood strips over the stapled hardware cloth, screwed into the framing of the building. Also, that hardware cloth floor, by itself, will be awful to shovel out. I'd take it out, and do the outside skirt instead. If you are keeping it as a floor, add something on top. Treated lumber? Sheet vinyl flooring? Concrete? Some more reasonable surface, so shoveling the bedding will be possible.
Mary

Thats what i was going to do, just wasnt sure what the best solution was!

 

[Amlong712]

It's very cute!
Adding your approximate location to your profile helps a lot too. And consider how sturdy it is (or isn't), because chicken loving predators come in all sizes! Think about two big dogs, could they tear it up?
In bear country, electric fencing is needed. Anywhere, electric fencing is not a bad plan.
Ventilation looks good, unless you are in a very hot climate. Anywhere, opening the peaks gives good overhead ventilation too.
Mary

I live in Fayetteville, NC! we dont normally have bears or anything, i think the most i would get are hawks, neighborhood cats, and possibly snakes!

 

[Quadzilla32]

I live in Fayetteville, NC! we dont normally have bears or anything, i think the most i would get are hawks, neighborhood cats, and possibly snakes!

Cant forget the random foxes