Buy hardware cloth...it will keep out rats and other chicken killers.
Howdy From Texas . . .
- Thread starter TexasWineGuy
- Start date
1/2" hardware cloth, attached with screws and washers is your friend. Also, you might want to cover half the top with roofing and the rest with 2x4 welded wire under the 1/2" hardware cloth. Coons jumped up and down on one of my shelters until they pulled the hardware cloth off the top and then had a feast of chicken.
- Thread starter
- #53
rj,
Great input. I'm trying to keep this as light as possible to be able to call it "portable", so weight is a factor. At this time, I don't want to put a rain-proof "roof" on this, but I do see your point about keeping the coons off. I'll give this some thought.
The immediate issue I see with the 2x4 welded wire is that it comes in rather large rolls. Far more than I would need. . . . .
TWG
very true. My 8x8 shelters have tin on the back and one door and I'm still able to move them without much of an issue. I do find slipping a board under them makes the move easier.
this pic is before the coon attack and before I put on the welded wire. My first approach was with staples. But it gives you an idea of what I work with.
ETA: There's tin up the sides on the back half over the wire with a 2' opening in the back.
- Thread starter
- #55
rj,
Do you have any issues with water drain wit that flat roof material?
It might be more economical for me to add a few more top support "ribs" then put on a double layer of chicken wire on the top. I'll give this some thought.
TWG
Do you have any issues with water drain wit that flat roof material?
It might be more economical for me to add a few more top support "ribs" then put on a double layer of chicken wire on the top. I'll give this some thought.
TWG
I don't have a flat spot on my place, so no water drain issues.
- Thread starter
- #57
Did that coon actually tear the wire, or did it loosen the staples enough to get under the wire?
TWG
Both. Jumped up and down on the lid till the wire gave in and then tore a hole in the wire to leave. I still had chicken wire on the sides.
- Thread starter
- #59
Ready for wire. Looking for this now, hoping to maybe find some used stuff on Craigslist.
TWG
TWG
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #60
Another question:
Our hens have yet to enter the actual nesting coop. Hey have gone up the ramp and peeked in, but have not gone in. Is this normal? Any concern?
They are still too young to lay eggs.
Thanks,
TWG
Our hens have yet to enter the actual nesting coop. Hey have gone up the ramp and peeked in, but have not gone in. Is this normal? Any concern?
They are still too young to lay eggs.
Thanks,
TWG
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