a little confused

[Jayne chick p]

I have bought a fox proof pen with a chicken house in the middle. The pen is fairly big and I have put paving slabs all the way round the out side of it to stop foxes digging under. I have also fenced off a 3 mtrs by 12 mtrs area for them to roam in during the day. So my question is
Will my hens be safe in their fox proof pen during the day if I am not there and if I am late shutting them in their house will they be safe inside their pen at night.
Some people have said they will be ok inside the fox proof pen and I dont have to shut them in the house over night that way they can let them selves in and out.
When they are in the roaming area I will always be there to keep them safe its just while I am at work as I do shift work.
I would hate for anything to happen to my beautiful ladys so I need some good advice please

 

[gander007]

I have bought a fox proof pen with a chicken house in the middle. The pen is fairly big and I have put paving slabs all the way round the out side of it to stop foxes digging under. I have also fenced off a 3 mtrs by 12 mtrs area for them to roam in during the day. So my question is
Will my hens be safe in their fox proof pen during the day if I am not there and if I am late shutting them in their house will they be safe inside their pen at night.
Some people have said they will be ok inside the fox proof pen and I dont have to shut them in the house over night that way they can let them selves in and out.
When they are in the roaming area I will always be there to keep them safe its just while I am at work as I do shift work.
I would hate for anything to happen to my beautiful ladys so I need some good advice please

Sounds like a very nice chicken coop do you have photos ????

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! If your pen is 100% secure they should be safe and no reason not to leave them out ... you might want to check out or post in the Predators and Pests forum and the Coop/Run design forum, you could put up pictures of your set up etc and see if people see any problems or have any suggestions for being sure it is safe. https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests and https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I am not sure I understand your set up. I would follow the link that Kelsie has provided and do as suggested....post pics of your coop and run so we can see what you have and whether it is safe or not. Just make sure nothing can dig, tunnel, tear things out, jump or climb into any areas of your poultry area.

Good luck and I hope you can keep them safe!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC.

Glad you joined us!

 

[SummerSaige]

 

[drumstick diva]

Fox can dig, jump, climb, squeeze through narrow openings and if the wire is chicken fencing and not 1/2" hardware cloth - they will get inside. A top on the run will also prevent hawks from dropping in.

If you put photos of coop and run, we can probably troubleshoot it for you.

 

[chickie farmer]

Drumstick Diva x2. I would also put the 1/2 hardware cloth about 10" under ground around the whole run. this will prevent digging if any predator moves your cement slabs. Animals can be pretty determined. They should be ok during the day unless a dog or fox want in. If you are using chicken wire for the run, that would not stop a dog, fox or a raccoon. I use a large dog pen with chicken wire on top. I lock mine in at night and let them out in the morning.