Hardware cloth over window

[cdahl383]

Final thoughts for my location and predators @cdahl383 did a great job. I know I didn't manage to square HW cloth better for sure on my first coop. Kudos from South Texas.

That hardware cloth isn’t the easiest stuff to work with! Never used it before. I measured everything a few times and it turned out pretty good.

I may add some ventson the sides as most people seem to agree the coop is lacking in ventilation.

 

[cdahl383]

I did the exact same thing to one of my coop's windows and have not had any break ins. I frequently see raccoon prints around that particular coop, and so far so good (over a year now).

That’s good to hear! I hope ours are okay as well.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I have tons of screws, washers, bolts, nuts, etc in the garage, so I just used that stuff. I don’t really see where a package of screws or washers is that much money. But putting some wood over it would be a good idea.

Hehe go to HD today and buy their 1/2 inch washers Then you see how offensive that is for securing your HC at $.50 per washer they are just gouging. The prices there and at Lowes are "fixed" and offensive like a skinny 25cent bamboo pole for 3 bucks but you can buy the cheap cedar fence planks for 1.50 what gives?

Regardless, well done now get that other window covered and open Also, if you don't have an angle grinder I suggest a cheap 15 dollar Harbor Freight one as with livestock there will be more projects in your future.

They slice hc and fencing like butter.

 

[cdahl383]

Hehe go to HD today and buy their 1/2 inch washers Then you see how offensive that is for securing your HC at $.50 per washer they are just gouging. The prices there and at Lowes are "fixed" and offensive like a skinny 25cent bamboo pole for 3 bucks but you can buy the cheap cedar fence planks for 1.50 what gives?

Regardless, well done now get that other window covered and open Also, if you don't have an angle grinder I suggest a cheap 15 dollar Harbor Freight one as with livestock there will be more projects in your future.

They slice hc and fencing like butter.

Oh I see, so they jacked their prices up recently then.

Thats the plan, get the other window done later this week. I may add some vents later this summer too to the man door and above the coop door.

I just used a pair of snips to cut the hardware cloth but an angle grinder would be much faster. What would you use to cut holes in the plywood for additional vents? I have a lot of tools for working on cars but not much for carpentry type jobs. Need to get a couple saws soon.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Oh I see, so they jacked their prices up recently then.

Thats the plan, get the other window done later this week. I may add some vents later this summer too to the man door and above the coop door.

I just used a pair of snips to cut the hardware cloth but an angle grinder would be much faster. What would you use to cut holes in the plywood for additional vents? I have a lot of tools for working on cars but not much for carpentry type jobs. Need to get a couple saws soon.

I usually dismount and remount any cutting required by the circular saw. So nothing special there. Regarding carpentry skills I claim none=) I just get it done with the tools at hand. My results might suck to an outside observer, but at least it will last 10+ years. A cheap Harbor Freight sawzall is my backup and naturally a chainsaw for fencepost work. I do need a 12 inch circular table saw still but not pulling the trigger on that yet.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...e-areal-defence-system.1362116/#post-22451620 is an example of my modifications on an existing structure modified as needed for hens. So just because I am mouthy do not assume I am a proAs an aside we need ventilation like crazy here it would get to 150F inside that thing when I first started rebuilding it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hehe go to HD today and buy their 1/2 inch washers Then you see how offensive that is for securing your HC at $.50 per washer they are just gouging.

Yeah theirs are super expensive, plus I needed a lot. I bought a bulk bag from a marine supply store and it came out to maybe 10 cents a washer.

 

[singwithmylife]

We have the same coop! I’ve been debating how to do the windows. Thank you so much for posting this! That’s a perfect solution! With the side vents and the reflective insulation in the roof we should be fine ventilation wise.