Hardware Cloth Size and Guage Choice Dilemma

[NatJ]

Build one like Fort Knox and pray you don't get locked in it.

Or build one like Fort Knox and make sure you can manage the lock from inside. It's handy for keeping chickens in while you are in, and for letting yourself back out afterward.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

@GaDawgChic the pics I promised of hardware cloth sandwiched between wood, forgive the junk.. Build cost was $3,000 plus the sweat equity. My lay boxes need raising, custom under coop divider and extended run/paddock fencing, plus a few other details are yet to be completed.

The triplex coop, otherwise known as Mayhem Manor.

Close up, outside opening. 2x4 stud on the interior, 2x3 stud on the exterior. Long wood screws every few inches.

A close up of a window framed into the top half an interior door sandwiched between thinner (T1-11 type) wood but shows the screws well. Never mind the cobwebs!

Thanks for letting me share!

 

[McChooky]

Slamming the door is the only way it could have engaged the latch on the other door beside it. (I don't suspect anyone of locking me in it) Its been jamming since I made it.

 

[McChooky]

@GaDawgChic the pics I promised of hardware cloth sandwiched between wood, forgive the junk.. Build cost was $3,000 plus the sweat equity. My lay boxes need raising, custom under coop divider and extended run/paddock fencing, plus a few other details are yet to be completed.

The triplex coop, otherwise known as Mayhem Manor.
View attachment 3036632

Close up, outside opening. 2x4 stud on the interior, 2x3 stud on the exterior. Long wood screws every few inches.
View attachment 3036633

A close up of a window framed into the top half an interior door sandwiched between thinner (T1-11 type) wood but shows the screws well. Never mind the cobwebs!
View attachment 3036636

Thanks for letting me share!

Chickens love their nest boxes low when they're broody so Imade them low to encourage them.

 

[McChooky]

@GaDawgChic the pics I promised of hardware cloth sandwiched between wood, forgive the junk.. Build cost was $3,000 plus the sweat equity. My lay boxes need raising, custom under coop divider and extended run/paddock fencing, plus a few other details are yet to be completed.

The triplex coop, otherwise known as Mayhem Manor.
View attachment 3036632

Close up, outside opening. 2x4 stud on the interior, 2x3 stud on the exterior. Long wood screws every few inches.
View attachment 3036633

A close up of a window framed into the top half an interior door sandwiched between thinner (T1-11 type) wood but shows the screws well. Never mind the cobwebs!
View attachment 3036636

Thanks for letting me share!

Good job!

 

[GaDawgChic]

@GaDawgChic the pics I promised of hardware cloth sandwiched between wood, forgive the junk.. Build cost was $3,000 plus the sweat equity. My lay boxes need raising, custom under coop divider and extended run/paddock fencing, plus a few other details are yet to be completed.

The triplex coop, otherwise known as Mayhem Manor.
View attachment 3036632

Close up, outside opening. 2x4 stud on the interior, 2x3 stud on the exterior. Long wood screws every few inches.
View attachment 3036633

A close up of a window framed into the top half an interior door sandwiched between thinner (T1-11 type) wood but shows the screws well. Never mind the cobwebs!
View attachment 3036636

Thanks for letting me share!

Oh my goodness thank you so much for sharing your pictures and advice! You have helped me tremendously!!!! I can't wait to share pictures of ours when we are done!

 

[McChooky]

Not sure how that latch could accidentally get banged into locking position.

I agree but the only other option is someone did it.

 

[RoyalChick]

I used 1/2" 19G. The 1/4" as others have said is too flimsy.
Mine is secured with washers and screws, and I reinforced the bottom part with cattle panels.
I have a 2' apron going outside - my chickens dig way too deep to have wire running underneath - I would worry they would hurt their toes on the wire.
I have had rats but turns out they were coming in where two pieces of harware cloth joined. I had used hog rings but they were too far apart and particularly at corners that left some gaps. So I had to go around after and close those gaps - mostly I used patches of hardware cloth or additional hog rings or whatever needed to close it up. Haven't had anything get in since I did that which is about 18 months now.
A small mouse can get through the 1/2" - I caught one on a game camera once - it is a really, really tight squeeze!

 

[aart]

it is a really, really tight squeeze!

Indeed!

 

[Just Pam]

I may have missed it but I see people putting the hardware cloth on the inside and some people put it on the outside. Is it just a preference? Thanks