Predator proof rafters

[mqoh]

What are some techniques you’ve used for predator proofing in and around the rafters without cutting off ventilation . This is a shed roof open coop in Florida. I’m not there yet but I planned on leaving the rafters. Seems like there should be a better way than having to put hardware cloth between each one after I’m done

 

[Aunt Angus]

What are some techniques you’ve used for predator proofing in and around the rafters without cutting off ventilation . This is a shed roof open coop in Florida. I’m not there yet but I planned on leaving the rafters. Seems like there should be a better way than having to put hardware cloth between each one after I’m done

Pics would help, if you can get some

I didn't want to put hardware cloth between each one on my shed coop, either. I actually have 2 coops, a duck house, and a goat house.

On the smallest coop I have, I just stretched hardware cloth over the entire top of the structure before putting on the rafters. But that won't work if your shed is already built.

For my ducks' house, I cut long strips of the hardware cloth and attached them inside the house snd over the vents. I cut slits where the rafters we're, pushed the hardware cloth between them, and attached it to the rafters themselves. I toyed with the idea of doing that on the outside and just bending it up into the the rafters, but it would've looked really bad, so I put it inside, which was a real PITA. Idk if that makes any sense.

 

[DobieLover]

Seems like there should be a better way than having to put hardware cloth between each one after I’m done

Why is this a problem for you? It's really not hard.
I precut and bent into shape each piece, stapled it up to hold it in place (using just pneumatic 1/2" staples) then went back over each side with the 1x4 trim boards to finish it. I had 16 pieces total to cut and install and it took maybe an hour.

 

[SueT]

Hardware cloth between rafters is really good, it adds ventilation as well. Leave the poker bent ends facing outward to discourage any varmint trying to dig its way in.

 

[Silexian]

Even with a shed roof, you will need an over hang. Attach a fascia board to the ends of the rafters. Then use ventilated soffit panels on the underside of the overhang. Like you would if building a house. That will give you a nice, finished look. Ventilation and be varmit proof.

 

[aart]

Pics would help

They sure would.

Here's how I did mine:
More pics here... https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-coop-page.65912/

 

[mqoh]

Pics would help, if you can get some

I didn't want to put hardware cloth between each one on my shed coop, either. I actually have 2 coops, a duck house, and a goat house.

On the smallest coop I have, I just stretched hardware cloth over the entire top of the structure before putting on the rafters. But that won't work if your shed is already built.

For my ducks' house, I cut long strips of the hardware cloth and attached them inside the house snd over the vents. I cut slits where the rafters we're, pushed the hardware cloth between them, and attached it to the rafters themselves. I toyed with the idea of doing that on the outside and just bending it up into the the rafters, but it would've looked really bad, so I put it inside, which was a real PITA. Idk if that makes any sense.

I’m still building. But I wanted to get some ideas before I put the rafters up. Thanks for your kind input.