PVC Pipe Through Hardware Cloth?

[HCBeck]

I'm at the beginning of my coop and run build and thinking ahead to the waterer and feeder which I'm thinking will be PVC pipe. I'd like to be able to feed and water from the outside of the coop and was thinking of installing the pipe through the hardware cloth into the run. I'm concerned that it could weaken the stability of the hardware cloth and allow animals easier access. Could there would be a way to frame it out to seal it or will it be fine? Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm sorry if this has already been discussed but I've searched and can't find anything about it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't know what your penetration through the hardware cloth will look like, round or oval, but my normal solution to this problem is to make a sandwich. Put wood on both sides with proper cut-outs, and screw them together to clamp the hardware cloth in between. This shows how I installed a pop door in a fence.

 

[HCBeck]

I don't know what your penetration through the hardware cloth will look like, round or oval, but my normal solution to this problem is to make a sandwich. Put wood on both sides with proper cut-outs, and screw them together to clamp the hardware cloth in between. This shows how I installed a pop door in a fence.
View attachment 1701234

Thank you, that's helpful! I will be using round pvc pipe. If I frame it out like you did in your picture, should I be worried about the corners of the square being open? I know they will be small but I am concerned about all sized holes into the run and coop.

 

[Ted Brown]

Modify what @Ridgerunner suggests by using a piece of plywood encased in the frame. Use a hole saw to cut a circle in the plywood that fits your PVC. Voila!

You need to have openings that are 1/2" or smaller else varmints will intrude. The corners if you use 4" PVC will be larger than that.

Good luck!

 

[HCBeck]

Modify what @Ridgerunner suggests by using a piece of plywood encased in the frame. Use a hole saw to cut a circle in the plywood that fits your PVC. Voila!

You need to have openings that are 1/2" or smaller else varmints will intrude. The corners if you use 4" PVC will be larger than that.

Good luck!

Of course! That makes perfect sense and solves my problem. Thank you!!

 

[blackdog043]

Where are you located, will you be getting freezing temperatures? If so, how will you keep the water from freezing?

 

[aart]

Also feeder must be kept from any rainwater or runoff...
..so before you go cutting any holes, think hard about that.

Where are you located, will you be getting freezing temperatures? If so, how will you keep the water from freezing?

Ditto Dat^^^

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[HCBeck]

Also feeder must be kept from any rainwater or runoff...
..so before you go cutting any holes, think hard about that.


Ditto Dat^^^

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1702389

Oops guess I missed that when signing up! I'm in Maryland. My plan is to have the waterer and feeder through the hardware cloth and use screw on caps to close them off at the top and bottom when not in use. I do not plan on using the waterer in winter because it will freeze and will have another system in place for the cold months. Will definitely plan for rain run off. I'm really enjoying this community- so helpful and responsive!!