Thanks, but I really can't take credit for it. It was my dad's idea to put this to use in both my "milking parlor" and in the chicken coop. I just helped put things together and give ideas on how to close the doors and such.
Every time I see those doors I remember the first one I noticed...
That up at sunrise bit was just a guess. I have no way to know for sure.... Even if I got up early to check my dogs would start barking as soon as I was outside and the birds would be awake then for sure.
I've thought about getting a game camera or something of that sort. But, I am more...
I'm quite sure they wake up at sunrise, around 6:15 am or so. I just don't feel compelled to wake up that early to let them out. That may change once things heat up even more. Most summers we have weeks where 80 degrees F is cool. When that starts in I may feel the need to be out there...
Makes sense to me.
Also, my hen house is under a lean to and has a green house a couple of green house panels for a roof. So in essence they are getting light without the heat being an issue. The door is a "dutch door". Sort of like what you see on horse stalls. I can open just the top...
In honor of the thread title...I wish I had known I don't have to get up at dawn to let my chickens out. Of course, I do make sure they have enough water in the coop to last until I do get up. And good ventilation.