Hardware cloth over windows? Opinions please.

[jcf3202]

Hi all. I have three windows on my coop. One on the front, one on the side and one in the back (inside the chicken run). They are all 45 inches from the ground to the bottom of the window. Do I need to put hardware cloth over them? I'm not sure if any predator could get up high enough to get into them (I think my main predator will be racoons).

Here is a picture for reference. You cannot see the window in the chicken run, although it is exactly like the one on the side.

Thanks!

 

[DazeGoneBy]

Well, on one hand you have your "safe," and on the other hand, you have your "sorry." Your pick.
I'd prefer my learning curve not come at the expense of my chickens.

P.S. I've seen raccoons climb pretty high for a chicken dinner.

 

[Buugette]

If it were me... yes, I would put hardware wire over the windows.

 

[JackE]

I would. If a raccoon climbs/hops up to one of those windows, protected by only regular screen. You are in for a nasty surprise.
Jack

 

[Noymira]

My windows are even higher, I can barely look into one of them, but I still have hardware cloth over them. It was well worth the cost and work to not have to worry!

 

[jcf3202]

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.
That was my gut feeling but my husband thought it wasn't necessary.
I will be adding the hardware cloth this weekend.

 

[catsew]

Glad you already decided, but I even put the hardware cloth over my roofline ventilation.

 

[RedDrgn]

Absolutely would use hardware cloth. A raccoon, fox, cat or even a bird of prey could get in any of those windows.

 

[diggergal]

My husband thought I was over-cautious but complied and put hardware cloth over our screened windows. Better safe than sorry.

 

[WalkingHorse]

Hardware cloth is a must! We have a ton of raccoons here on the farm. You would be amazed at how quickly and deftly they can climb. Heights do not deter them whatsoever! Also, they have very strong paws. They would have no problem tearing through a normal window screen. Good luck!