Hardware cloth or 2"x4" fence for 2nd floor window?

[vermontgal]

I am finally (!) almost done building my coop on the 2nd floor of my barn. I will post photos some day soon.

I cut two new windows into the southwest corner, on the 2nd floor. I have a chicken ladder (removable at night) to connect the 2nd floor window to a small platform that is about 5' high. It looks a little like a mini fire tower. The chickens can just barely fly up to the platform, and then they walk up the chicken ladder to the coop. I take the chicken ladder (1"x10" x 8 feet) down at night. This seems to be working pretty well! By mid-winter, I expect that the snowbank in my backyard will be about as high as the platform, so the chicken ladder will just rest on the snowbank.

So here is my question -- the barn itself (15' x 30' barn) is predator proof inside. For the 2nd floor window, what do I need to worry about predators? The window is about 12-15' up.

I currently have it screened off with the 2"x4" mesh fencing, to keep the chickens from flying out the window. There is a single pane glass window over the window opening in the winter. In the summer, I might want to leave the window open.

Is the 2"x4" fencing OK for predators at this height, or can you think of anyone who could climb up the side of an old clapboard barn, such that I need to use hardware cloth? I am right in the "city" but Montpelier is a city that most places would call a small town.

Thanks for any opinions!

 

[ibpboo]

I have 2" x 4" wire on the top and one side of my coop, but I don't have to worry much about predators. But birds can fly through that, so if you do not want birds going in there use the hard cloth.

 

[patandchickens]

Raccoons could climb up there but unless your roost is within reaching distance of the window, 2x4 will keep them out. Weasels and rats can climb but I seriously doubt they'd do *that*. However birds will fly in (and eat all yer chicken feed) if you use 2x4 mesh. Since it is not that vast an area, I'd personally go for the hardwarecloth. Not likely to be a massive debacle if you go with the 2x4 wire though

Have fun,

Pat

 

[vermontgal]

Thanks for the opinions. I haven't seen birds flying into the barn, even with the hayloft door wide open (no mesh on that door).

I think I'll consider upgrading to hardware cloth in the spring, as the 2x4 mesh is only temporarily (although securely) attached.

 

[chickiebaby]

oh, I like Montpelier so much.

Now what if the chickens get into the front yard! Guess that's a shortcut for feedin' time, eh?