Hardware cloth in coop, help!

[mowin]

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!

@3KillerBs also lives in NC I believe. Can definitely give you more advice on ventilation.

 

[perkolator]

Sweet coop!

I would recommend removing the HC on the windows and cutting them to just smaller than the OD of the outside window trim - then pop off the trim and install the HC underneath it and screw it back on, so it's sandwiched and a clean install.

Many people don't like HC on the floor, but I have it in my own setup (but mine is buried at least 8" down under deep dry bedding). To deal with sharp edges on HC, if you use angle grinder you can easily cut off the tines more flush so it's similar to the factory edge. You can also fold under the edge so it's not protruding. You could also add a strip of lumber over the seam.

In terms of ventilation, an opening on each wall is going to be pretty decent compared to a lot of setups I've seen here, but could always be improved especially up above those windows. Perhaps just a hole saw to make some openings along the upper edge hidden behind the roof fascia to vent out heat, cover with HC.

 

[Amlong712]

Cant forget the random foxes

I havent seen any around me, but im sure once they get the smell of my chickens..theyll be around! Im terrified of what will come after them!

 

[Amlong712]

Sweet coop!

I would recommend removing the HC on the windows and cutting them to just smaller than the OD of the outside window trim - then pop off the trim and install the HC underneath it and screw it back on, so it's sandwiched and a clean install.

Many people don't like HC on the floor, but I have it in my own setup (but mine is buried at least 8" down under deep dry bedding). To deal with sharp edges on HC, if you use angle grinder you can easily cut off the tines more flush so it's similar to the factory edge. You can also fold under the edge so it's not protruding. You could also add a strip of lumber over the seam.

In terms of ventilation, an opening on each wall is going to be pretty decent compared to a lot of setups I've seen here, but could always be improved especially up above those windows. Perhaps just a hole saw to make some openings along the upper edge hidden behind the roof fascia to vent out heat, cover with HC.

So much great advice, thank you! I was dreading taking the hardware cloth off the ground so those trips are may just get used.. i was thinking of putting down some type of plywood treated, and then peel/stick flooring over the hardware cloth, but just didnt know if it would work.

I love that there are windows on every wall, but i know itll still get hot af with the actual roof on it! I'll definitely add some more ventilation though!

I want whatever is best for my babies, because i love them so much!!

 

[3KillerBs]

From Carthage.

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!

Here in central NC we have a number of predators, even in more urbanized areas including:

Dogs,
Coyotes,
Raccoons,
Several kinds of large snakes,
Several species of weasels,
Foxes,
Hawks,
Eagles,
Bear (in some areas),
Feral Hogs (in some areas),
Bobcats (in some areas).

Dogs, raccoons, and hawks are usually of the greatest concern. Snakes usually take only eggs and chicks -- though they can kill an adult even though they can't swallow one.

Here's my hot climate article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

And my coop ventilation article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/