Predator proofing my windows - suggestions welcomed!

[MiaS]

I've used some inexpensive shed windows in my coop and for the price they seem great. However as they are not designed for chicken keeping they come with just regular home type screening. Obviously NOT predator proof.

I'm looking for ideas to secure them with hardware cloth, from the inside preferably, while still being able to open the sashes. I was going to build a frame with HC that hinged but that is proving to be a bit more difficult than I was expecting (not impossible just hard to make square and strong enough). I have some old cedar tongue and groove that I was trying, thinking I could secure the HC inside the groove, but it is tough for a newbie to get the miters square... it also seems pretty wide, though it is light.

To work as I was envisioning requires that the frame is narrow but strong, and flat enough to hinge to the inner wall and then bolt shut.

Anyone done this before so I don't have to reinvent the wheel? Materials that might work?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I used half inch hardware cloth. I fastened with screws and washers. My coop came with window screen too.

GC

 

[MiaS]

I used half inch hardware cloth. I fastened with screws and washers. My coop came with window screen too. View attachment 1827213 GC

So you attached it from the outside then? This would definitely be the easiest, I just wasn't sure I wanted to have it fastened to my window trim...

 

[aart]

Where ever you prefer to operate the windows, put the HC on the other side.
I just climbed ladder to uncleat windows and prop them open.

 

[MiaS]

Where ever you prefer to operate the windows, put the HC on the other side.
I just climbed ladder to uncleat windows and prop them open.

Yeah, I was just hoping to not have to secure it to the outside of the window trim. Its a visuals thing...I wish I would have thought of it before sealing around all my trim or I might have fastened it between the window frame and the trim

 

[GC-Raptor]

So you attached it from the outside then? This would definitely be the easiest, I just wasn't sure I wanted to have it fastened to my window trim...

Yes I fastened it outside. Easy to remove and clean windows if needed. My windows also open from the inside. GC

 

[aart]

I wish I would have thought of it before sealing around all my trim or I might have fastened it between the window frame and the trim

Ooops!

 

[Sueby]

I attached mine on the outside too. I painted it black so you really can't see it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I also have mine secured outside like GC-Raptor's, with screws and fender washers.

 

[HeyHo]

I placed the HC on the inside -- with washers and screws. I open the window once in the spring and screw it into the sashes. Leave it all summer and then close it once in the fall and screw it in as well. Repeat following year in the same holes. I may regret this in the long run, but it has worked well so far.