little loft

[wonword]

Originally Posted by maine123

i like it, must all lofts have a vent some where?

yes vents are needed to help keep the loft dry, you however do not want "drafts." usually a vent close to the floor(if loft is raised off ground) and one close to the roof on the opposite side of the floor vent keeps a line of air running over the ground cover and drying it out.

[maine123]

is there any other "needs" for a loft

[wonword]

basically it just needs to be dry, provide protection from the elements and a place to nest/roost. but keep in mind, a loft built for easy access and cleaning saves alot of time and money in the long run, as the cleaner/drier it is, the less chances the pigeons will get sick and have to spend money on meds, etc. also keep in mind, to provide protection from preditors(cats, hawks, owls), rodents, and nuisance(sparrows, etc.). use small enough wire(chicken wire looks nice and is cheaper then other options) that keeps sparrows out(can transmit lice, etc) and just use common sense.

[TAWhatley]

The wire should probably be 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch hardware cloth (usually found in the fencing section of home improvement stores). It is more expensive than chicken wire, but it will keep out pests and predators effectively where chicken wire won't.

Terry

[wonword]

Terry, i've never had a problem with chicken wire, but of course there might be different situations in different places. the thing i like about chicken wire on flight pens is how it looks like there is nothing there. but i have seen alot of lofts use the mesh stufff your speaking of, and it looks like it would work better. but its the whole appearance vs function argument for me

[maryjane]

We have a very small chicken wire that is sold here, it just looks like miniature chicken wire (holes are 1/4"). It is sturdier than the flimsier large chicken wire, and safe against rodents. I don't know if they sell it everywhere but it's worth checking out.

[learning]

Maryjane,

If it is what I think it is that you are describing it is called hardware cloth and it comes is 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch sizes. Unsually 2, 3, or 4 foot widths and in various lengths. Most home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot should carry it.

Hope this helps,

Dan

[maine123]

Thanks alot

[TAWhatley]

Originally Posted by wonword

Terry, i've never had a problem with chicken wire, but of course there might be different situations in different places. the thing i like about chicken wire on flight pens is how it looks like there is nothing there. but i have seen alot of lofts use the mesh stufff your speaking of, and it looks like it would work better. but its the whole appearance vs function argument for me

You can get it coated in black or green (that I've seen). With the color coating (which is some type of plastic), the wire appears to be invisible when installed. I know that sounds strange, but tis true.

If you have ever seen what a raccoon, for example, can do with chicken wire and what happens to the birds that were enclosed in it, you would definitely opt for hardware cloth.

Terry

[Margarret]

Loved the design Wonword. I'm going to have to download that program.

Margaret

[wonword]

Terry, Yeah, I live in the inner city, so I've never really the racoon problem, but im sure it happens alot.

Thanks, Margaret

[maine123]

well i think hardware cloth sounds safer for the pigeons

[maine123]

whats the differnts between the two?

[TAWhatley]

Originally Posted by maine123

whats the differnts between the two?

I'm not sure what you are asking about, Maine. BUT .. hardware cloth would be a much safer alternative for your birds .. chicken wire won't save them from much of anything.

Terry