question on the overnights

[Atripp06120]

I have a weird question. We are building our coop this weekend and boy boyfriend thinks we should close the chickens into the coop all night even though they'll be completely fenced in. I don't think its necessary because the chickens will put themselves away. We are just worried about the coyotes because they come to the pond a lot. We always run them off but they're around. Any one with any suggestions? TIA

 

[lovemy6hens]

Yes, lock them up every night.

 

[Alarmguy66]

Every night. The one you miss will be the one that something gets in.

 

[RonP]

Is your run as secure as your coop???

Mine is, and I have no issues with leaving the door and access to the run open 24/7.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Even where I am in suburbia I have issues with leaving the pop door open. My biggest issue is the mice have found that they can come in after dark through that opening and chew the feathers off the sleeping hens.
Yes mine a closed in every night. I have had to go to more extreme lengths in trying to keep the mice out. I set traps but that does not get them all. I check every corner a mouse could be hiding in when I close the pop door in the evening. I try to chase them toward the traps but eventually give up and open the pop door so they can run out.
I am making some of the bucket traps this weekend since they make me insane.

 

[BonRae67]

Yes close them in the coop at night.

 

[HG2705]

Hi
I have some ducks and I put them in at night. But I am wondering how much space they need for the night (they are free range during the day) they are all small (8 call,3 East indians,3 kaiki Campbels.
Thanks

 

[PapaChaz]

I am in the 'close them in' group. I know they'll 'put themselves to bed' everynight, but, if anything could get into the run at night, in through the pop door and feast away......

to second whomever it was who asked, 'is your run as secure as your coop' if you can answer that with a yes, then don't worry about it. If not, close the doors once they're all inside, and reopen in the morning

 

[Bullyshowgirl]

Another vote for locking them in! There is no such thing as completely safe when it comes to hungry critters. Better safe than sorry

 

[ivan3]

Every night. The one you miss will be the one that something gets in.

x200²

Only way to be sure.

Have read too many sad tales, over the years. "Luck" does not favor the chicken (beyond your serving as just that).