Want to replace plexiglass window in plastic coop with mesh, but how??

[Tracyree]

i have a Smart Coop that I use as an isolation coop when I have issues with my flock in the big coop. It is plastic and has plexiglass windows. I’d like to replace the windows with mesh of some kind. It would need to be rigid so a raccoon can’t just bend it and pull it out. I dont want to make a bunch of screw holes, but Im having a hard time figuring out how to make a replacement window. It’s held in by sitting in slots that hold it. I COULD just drill a million holes into it, but I’d rather a different “window” altogether. Any creative folks have any ideas?

 

[StinkyAcres]

Pictures of the windows would help a lot. Can you remove the plexiglass fairly easily?

 

[Tracyree]

Pictures of the windows would help a lot. Can you remove the plexiglass fairly easily?

Oops! Looks like it didn’t upload. Ill
Try again.


Easily enough, yes. Just a few screws to loosen the roof

 

[StinkyAcres]

Easily enough, yes. Just a few screws to loosen the roof

Maybe create a frame out of thin plywood that fits in the existing groove and attach the mesh to that? That is if you can find plywood thin enough.

 

[Tracyree]

Maybe create a frame out of thin plywood that fits in the existing groove and attach the mesh to that? That is if you can find plywood thin enough.

Hmm. I think I’ll take an exploratory trip to Home Depot

 

[AinaWGSD]

Could you remove the window and cut out the center, leaving maybe a few inches as a frame and screw/bolt hardware cloth to that? You could probably drill sime small holes, lay the hardware cloth over the frame, and use bolts and washers to secure it. Then trim any excess wire and pop the window back in place.

 

[NanaK]

Did you want to keep the plexiglass window?

If not maybe you can remove the plexiglass. Cut the center out to make a frame. (You would need a drill and jig saw.) Drill holes around the frame. Add hardware cloth to the plexiglass frame. I'd use small bolts, nuts with lockwashers to attach. Maybe a drop of thread locker too.
This would fit right back in the groove on the coop. Making a clear frame around the hardware cloth.

I hope this make sense?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not familiar with that coop and did not find any real details online. Do you have a link where I could see how that plexiglass is attached or what other options there are?

It is plastic so you can't screw into it that well. The way I usually handle that is to make a sandwich. Put a strip of wood inside and outside and screw them together to give you something you can screw into. That stiffens the plastic up quite a bit also.

Another thought. Leave the plexiglass as is and put the mesh for ventilation somewhere else.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Could you remove the window and cut out the center, leaving maybe a few inches as a frame and screw/bolt hardware cloth to that? You could probably drill sime small holes, lay the hardware cloth over the frame, and use bolts and washers to secure it. Then trim any excess wire and pop the window back in place.

Did you want to keep the plexiglass window?

If not maybe you can remove the plexiglass. Cut the center out to make a frame. (You would need a drill and jig saw.) Drill holes around the frame. Add hardware cloth to the plexiglass frame. I'd use small bolts, nuts with lockwashers to attach. Maybe a drop of thread locker too.
This would fit right back in the groove on the coop. Making a clear frame around the hardware cloth.

I hope this make sense?

Cutting plexiglass without cracking it is not easy. That's why I suggested finding a thin wood product. A thin metal might work too.

 

[Tracyree]

I’d like to
Keep the window to swap out in the winter. Maybe I but some
Plexiglass and try to cut a new one and then cut out the middle to add hardware cloth ….