Predator-proofing windows

[grullablue]

We're slowly in the process of building our coop, and I'm wondering about windows. Obviously a screen is not a safe way of keeping predators out when they want in, so I thought we could just fasten some hardware cloth along the inside wall, covering the window opening. But, no, that won't work either....because we wouldn't be able to access it for opening/closing! How do you predator-proof your windows in your coop? I want a functional window, but obviously a normal window screen is not enough security. On hot nights, it would be nice to be able to have those windows open for some air flow, right?

Our coop will be 8x12, we don't have an exact number of windows yet....I'm hoping to talk the hubby into 3 or 4 smaller ones.

Thanks for any input!
Angie

 

[Poison Ivy]

I nailed hardware cloth on the outside of my windows. So I could open and close them since they are regular house windows.

 

[rooster-red]

I would attach hardware cloth to the outside of the window opening.

Paint it flat black if you are concerned about it showing.

 

[joebryant]

Grullablue, I'm in the process of putting my two sections of six-modules-each coops together now. Hopefully, I'll get one together enough today so that I can move my ten chicks out of the living room before my wife attacks me physically, not just verbally.
Each 4'-x8'-x8'-high section (the two can be put together to make one 8x8x8) will have a large window that locks from inside. On the outside I plan to put a large hardware cloth screen on a frame that has hinges on side so that I can open/shut it easily and reach the windows inside it to raise/lower them from outside (under the hardware cloth screen).

 

[thebirdgirl]

I stapled (with big staples) 1/2 inch hardware cloth to the outside of the windows, then put window boxes and shutters on the windows which hides the edges of the wire. The windows themselves have regular screens on them as well, and open and close from the inside. The hardware cloth is not very noticible. I have 3 regular windows and one big window which is just a hole cut out of the side. Here is a picture from the side where you can see one of the regular windows. The big window is visible on the back- that is also covered with hardware cloth but on the inside, since the window swings down on hinges. Good Luck!!

 

[EweSheep]

I would do like JoeBryant does with the windows. I love the hinge deal on the hardware wire on wood frame. Also install some kind of lock so the coons and other predators wont get a chance to work the latch loose.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Here's the way we did windows. Nailed hardware cloth, then put in two pieces of wood on top and bottom of interior window that plexiglass could slide open and closed in.

 

[grullablue]

Thanks for the ideas! Think we may just attach it to the outside....maybe we can use shutters too.....good idea. I was afraid of how it would look attaching it on the outside...I don't care about how it looks on the window opening itself, it's a safety measure! Does hardware cloth rust pretty easily?

Thanks!
Angie

 

[Poison Ivy]

I have a outside rabbit hutch a friend built for me almost 7 years ago. It's made with hardware cloth and it hasn't rusted at all. I even hose it down once a month to clean it out.

 

[sBrickmanHouse]

Our windows open from the outside, to the outside, so we just stapled hardware cloth on the inside.

Seems to me if you just staple or nail the hardware cloth on the opposite side of the window you need to access, you're golden.

And you're definitely right about air flow on hot nights-- being able to open the windows is a god send. We're in the middle of the northeast heat wave right now, and our chickens are staying comfortable at night with windows on three sides of the coop open, and a small fan in there for air circulation.

It would be horribly uncomfortable for them in there without the windows, I think.