Sliding vinyl windows - predator risk?

[kiwiegg]

Hi all. I began framing tonight and was about to frame for one of my used vinyl windows when a thought occurred (yes, it hurt)

I imagine (zero experience) on a hot summer night my ladies may like the windows open. Are the screens on vinyl windows an invitation for predators? Is there a certain height that may be safe? Are foxes really THAT cunning?

 

[kiwiegg]

Do I need to staple hardware cloth over those windows??? Really want to use them but want my gals to be safe...

 

[okmike]

I have been the victim of some crafty raccoons. They can be quite sneaky.. I think it would be a good idea to cover any windows that will be open with some wire.. Good luck with your build.

 

[kiwiegg]

Thanks okmike. The more I'm thinking about it the more I realize I need to staple hardware cloth instead of/with the screen material. It won't look as good of course but the peace-of-mind trade off will be worth it! I got these nice windows super cheap so I need to figure out how to utilize them.

 

[WI FarmChick]

I have been the victim of some crafty raccoons. They can be quite sneaky.. I think it would be a good idea to cover any windows that will be open with some wire.. Good luck with your build.

I agree.

 

[mikecnorthwest]

Someone posted recently about the need to remember to install your windows backwards in a chicken coop. Apparently when you install windows so that you can open/close from outside the coop this places the drain holes inside the coop. Not sure if this applies to your install but thought I'd mention it.

 

[Holly0]

We used 2 sliding vinyl windows in our coop also. It is still winter in Oregon so we have the windows cracked open about an inch and have a stick on the inside runner tract so it can't be slid open any further from the outside. In the near future we will cover them with wire so we can open the windows further as the weather improves.

 

[vinylwindowguy]

I saw your post and thought you might get a kick out of this chicken house restoration!

 

[okmike]

Maybe you could build a frame around the window after it is installed. Paint the frame so that it looks like trim and then attach the wire.

 

[chicks2012]

Build a frame around the outside of the window and add wire on top of it. Allow clearance for the sliding side of the window.