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Regular screen for coop windows?

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by BCMominMD, Mar 27, 2009.

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  1. Mar 27, 2009 #1
    BCMominMD

    BCMominMD Songster

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    We just ordered our 8x10 shed. It will have 4 large windows that slide up to open. They already have regular screens on them. It gets pretty hot and muggy here in Southern MD in the summer and I expect to leave the windows open at night with the chickens closed up inside. We live in the woods. Is this enough to keep them safe or do I need to somehow staple hardware cloth over the outside of the window as well.
    Thank you all for the wonderful advice. We just got 8 baby chicks last week and thanks to all the wonderful info on this site, I think we are pretty well prepared. Although I'm still amazed at how fast they grow and how much they eat:)
     

  4. Mar 27, 2009 #2
    Lollipop

    Lollipop Songster

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    By all means attach hardware cloth or even heavier wire over the outside of the windows. The idea is not to keep flies out. Great idea using a shed, wish it would work for me........Pop

    PS; I would use lots of screws with washers instead of staples. Predators are strong AND determined.
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2009
  6. Mar 27, 2009 #3
    Ridgerunner

    Ridgerunner Free Ranging

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    Southeast Louisiana
    Quote:I agree on the need for something stronger than screen. I use strips of wood and screw it on to edge the hardware cloth instead of screws with washers. That way they cannot get to any edge to start working on it. I also think it is a little easier to work with, after you get the first screw in. No sharp edges to stab you.

    Just another way to do something. Enjoy.
     
  8. Mar 27, 2009 #4
    lilchick

    lilchick Songster

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    I found that over time the screens get dusty and you lose air flow. I took mine out and put up chicken wire on the outside so it doesn't affect opening and closing the windows.
    My barns are full sized and windows are out of reach of predators. If not I would have used hardware cloth.
     
  10. Mar 27, 2009 #5
    patandchickens

    patandchickens Flock Mistress

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    Very definitely you need firmly-attached hardwarecloth, not just windowscreens. Raccoons and possums are *excellent* climbers and will be up the side of the shed and through the window in a flash.

    Good luck, have fun,

    Pat
     
  12. Mar 27, 2009 #6
    scooter147

    scooter147 Songster

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    Yep, use hardware cloth.

    My coop is a Tuff Shed and it had factory made screens in the windows but I attached 1 inch woven wire over the windows on the inside and inside a month the coons had ripped the screens to shreds trying to get in. Little Devils!


    HURRAY, HURRAH, GOOOOO TIGERS.

    MIZZOU BEAT UCONN
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2009
  14. Mar 27, 2009 #7
    briana1975

    briana1975 Songster

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    Thanks for posting this question. Now I know.
     

  17. Mar 27, 2009 #8
    mommathea

    mommathea Songster

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    Quote:I'm a KU fan, but was super impressed with Mizzou last night.[​IMG]
     
  19. Mar 27, 2009 #9
    digginchicks

    digginchicks Songster

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    My screen that came in the windows has done fine for me but I'm not in the woods. I will probable be putting up hardware cloth soon though
     
  21. Mar 28, 2009 #10
    BCMominMD

    BCMominMD Songster

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    Mar 12, 2009
    Southern Md
    Great. Thank you all. I suspected as much.
    When I looked at Lowes there were several different gauges of hardware cloth. Seems like I will be buying quite alot of it for windows and around the bottom of the run etc.
    What guage do you all recommend?

    Thanks again!
     
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