How would you make it so I can keep this window open at night?

[gale65]

Here's what it looks like from the inside. It opens from the outside so I need to do something on the inside to prevent critters from getting in (our run is pretty secure but it's 2x4 wire on top so something *could* get in if it really wanted).

Would I regret it if I just nail/staple hardware cloth to the inside along those studs? (I'd use those construction hammer-in staples, not the staple gun kind, or maybe screws w/ big washers) or should I make something that is easily removable?

 

[MakNugget]

Easiest would be just to screw (with 1/4" fender washers) some hardware cloth into the side. I'm not sure why you would want to ever take it off though?

Alternatively you could make a 1"x2" frame the same size as the rough opening and put the hardware cloth on that. Then mount it on the inside with some screws. You can remove/replace the frame easily if you had to. If you want to take it further, put hinges on one side.

 

[gale65]

Yeah I'm wondering too, if I'd ever have to remove it. DH doesn't think so but he tends to do things the easiest way possible (shh-don't tell him I said that) and he'd just as soon not put anything on it. He thinks nothing will get in but I know that 2 x 4 holes will let things in that kill chickens and I don't want to sacrifice any of them to prove my point. And I want them to have some ventilation in there during the night.

 

[MakNugget]

I would not leave it to chance. There is no Undo button.

I believe it only takes a 1" hole to let unfriendlies to come in, so if you find any, patch them up!

 

[gale65]

The only holes are the pop door, this window, and a window on the walk door which has 2" poultry netting so that will also be reinforced with hardware cloth. There was a small hole in the floor and dh screwed metal over it to cover it completely.

DH has no experience whatsoever with small prey animals. He's only raised hogs and cattle.

 

[hcppam]

Quote:
agree this is the way to go.Even my little coop windows have hardware cloth

 

[gale65]

1/2" hardware cloth is ok right? I have some of it already from a rabbit project.

dh is really bugging me. I asked him what we would do about letting chickens in/out if we go on vacation (which we normally do every year but this year we are skipping it) and he says the same thing as always. "I don't know". Feeding and watering isn't a big deal-someone could come every day and do that. But the letting them out in the am and locking up in the pm is and I don't think an auto door would work on our coop because of the way the pop door and the wall around it is made. I guess we have at least a year to think about it but I need to know these things. lol. Maybe that pullet shut door would work on it...I wish I could see what it looks like on both sides.

Anyway, I went off on a tangent.

 

[Abirdbrain]

I would put the 1/2" inch cloth on a simple frame and screw that over the window. That is what I am going to do on my new coop. It has a vinyl window and regular screen. Too flimsy for me. It will get a Critter screen, that I can remove and clean behind to remove webs and dirt from the window. Since the window operator is inside, the frame will go outside. I dunno if a critter can even get to the window, I will protect it anyway.

 

[gale65]

Good point about having to clean. I think I will just put it on the easy way for now and try to get a screen made. Unfortunately I am not very good at using saws and other power tools (I can use a drill ok but that's about it) and since my husband is extremely busy with farming right now he won't be able to help or will take forever.

 

[amenfarm]

You could by the wood you need at lowes or home depot, take your measurement because they will cut it for you ($), the a few screws later your done. How about a pair of hinges on one side and small hasp and lock? that way when you clean you can open / clean and reshut. oh, hang the key in the coop so you won't lose it.