am I keeping them inside for too long?

[suburban]

Thanks HEChicken and ddawn. Very good points. They aren't laying yet but eggs will be his job for sure.

 

[abhaya]

Mine free range from sun up to sun down. They go in the coop a liitle befor dark I just walk out and close the door. So in summer they are out from 6 am to 9 pm. Winter 6 am to 4 pm.

 

[Mattemma]

My hens are not even going out much from the shed since it has been under 20. I will let them out to the run while I do the chicken chores. They go in at sunset ,which for me is 4:55pm,and I push them in if I have too.

In the summer my ds would help herd the hens into the shed,and then I locked up the door.

 

[ND]

Yeah, I think I'd find another chicken related job for your son rather than confine them with hours of sunlight left.
Maybe before bed, he could fill water and feed like others have suggested. Maybe he could turn the litter over (if you use the deep litter method) or some other maintenance thing. I'd let them naturally go to bed with sunset, though. For one, it's just easier! But most importantly, it'd reduce their stress rather than being cooped for a couple of hours before nightfall. My chickens are usually awake for a little while before I get out to let them out, but I think they'd be stressed and mad if I tried to confine them that long before they were settling in for the night. It's also a LOT easier when they put themselves to bed at sunset and all I have to do is close the pop door rather than trying to wrangle them all inside before they're ready.

 

[suburban]

Little update. I've been waiting till 7.30pm and they put themselves to bed. Thay are so clever. I love them!

 

[HEChicken]

Yay - glad its working out for you! They are addictive little critters aren't they?

 

[HorizonSon]

Quote:
Same here!