Hardware cloth in coop

[kvtolbert]

I'm putting hardware cloth in my coop windows using screws and washers to secure it. Should I put it inside or out?! I don't want rough edges inside for the girls to clip wings on, but I also don't want it in the outside around my kids for the same reason!

 

[dheltzel]

You could put strips of wood over it and nail or screw it down. No washers needed then.

 

[MrSelf Destruct]

I used these screws with a flat wide head on them. Some parts of the run I have wood blocks screwed to them to hold them on like was mentioned by Dheltzel. Basically a screw with what is essentially a washer already attached. I cut down any sharp areas so it is pretty smooth to the touch. I attached most of mine from the inside.

 

[Blooie]

We attached ours to the windows on the outside. After the windows were in, we used screws with the washers to secure the hardware cloth and then put the wood window trim over it to hide the edges. I'm more concerned with something getting into the coop, especially during the warm months when the windows are open, than anything else. A determined 'coon will rip an uncovered window screen, pushing the hardware cloth in at the same time, so we felt that having it on the outside made the most sense. Bonus: We get a lot of hail during spring and early summer thunderstorms. The hardware cloth offers a little protection against that, too.

 

[aart]

Depends on how your coop is constructed and how the windows function.

I put mine on the inside of the coop frame, it's build inside a large shed, covering all the windows from the inside because they swing open to the outside. The upper clerestory windows open to the inside so covered them and the open eaves of the shed from the outside so I could use one single piece.

I used and hand seamer to fold over and crimp the sharp edges.

You can see it all in My Coop.

 

[Going Quackers]

I have both ways here just depends on the coop and how it allowed for it to be attached.