Show me inside and outside of your homemade coops

[jreardon1918]

Here is our 4X8 coop. On a wonderful sunny February day. The sun drove the temperature up to 63F earlier. Note the humidity shows 58%. Outside the coop it is 52%.

 

[Roley]

Any suggestions on what size hardware cloth to use for windows?

 

[aart]

Any suggestions on what size hardware cloth to use for windows?

1/2".

 

[BReeder!]

Any suggestions on what size hardware cloth to use for windows?

I second @aart . 1/2" is the way to go. Any larger and predators can get there paws through. You would be amazed at how crafty a hungry raccoon, fox, or even rat can be.

 

[Roley]

I second @aart . 1/2" is the way to go. Any larger and predators can get there paws through. You would be amazed at how crafty a hungry raccoon, fox, or even rat can be.

Thank you! I have both 1/2” and 1/4”. What are your thoughts on the 1/4”?

 

[BReeder!]

Thank you! I have both 1/2” and 1/4”. What are your thoughts on the 1/4”?

overkill, but will work fine.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The stupid mice here run right through my 1/2" hardware cloth.

Maybe double up?

 

[BReeder!]

The stupid mice here for right through my 1/2" hardware cloth.

Maybe double up?

If the mice are small enough to get through, then 1/4". Are you sure they are getting through the HC and not through a hole in the wall or gap in a doorway?

 

[21hens-incharge]

If the mice are small enough to get through, then 1/4". Are you sure they are getting through the HC and not through a hole in the wall or gap in a doorway?

Yes. I disturbed them in a nest yesterday and the adult mice went right through it like it was the freeway.
That said these mice are smaller than good ole country mice.
They are nasty food destroyers.

 

[aart]

Some smaller mice might be able to get thru 1/2"....
....others, not so much: