Bedtime Routine?

[MommA2K]

I’m probably overthinking this, but does it matter if my chickens are put in the coop around the same time each night? I’m not worried about letting them out in the morning as I’m always up around the same time, but my bedtime differs (anywhere between 7:30PM-11:00PM). Is it best to put them in the coop at the same time each night?

I know they make the doors that open/close on a timer/automatically but I can’t justify spending that kind of money...yet.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Yes. When they go in the coop, you need to close them up. Predators are the most active at dawn and dusk. Chickens will adjust their own bedtime as the days lengthen or shorten so in the fall mine are locked up around 5 and in the summer as late as 9.

 

[DobieLover]

I have a slightly different setup. My run is as predator proof as the coop. The birds will head into the run and mull around. Some of them like to go to roost early to get their preferred roosting spot and defend it when the latecomers start heading in.
Roost time will vary based on the time of year as well as the weather. Heavily overcast skies will bring on an early roost as well.
I just wait until all the birds are in the run and then lock the run door and the coop door and they are secure for the night.
Once they are in, you can secure them but the longer you wait to get out there and lock them up after dusk arrives, the more risk you are taking. Many attacks occur just at dusk or shortly thereafter.

 

[aart]

but my bedtime differs (anywhere between 7:30PM-11:00PM). Is it best to put them in the coop at the same time each night?

Doesn't matter when your bedtime is...you go lock up the coop when they have all gone to into the coop to roost. You'll get used to when that happens, and know when to go out and lock up. It will vary with the weather and the time of year.

 

[MommA2K]

I have a slightly different setup. My run is as predator proof as the coop. The birds will head into the run and mull around. Some of them like to go to roost early to get their preferred roosting spot and defend it when the latecomers start heading in.
Roost time will vary based on the time of year as well as the weather. Heavily overcast skies will bring on an early roost as well.
I just wait until all the birds are in the run and then lock the run door and the coop door and they are secure for the night.
Once they are in, you can secure them but the longer you wait to get out there and lock them up after dusk arrives, the more risk you are taking. Many attacks occur just at dusk or shortly thereafter.

I’m worried about the summer nights that I can’t make it to dusk lol if it were up to me I’d be in bed by 7:30 every night! They’ll still have light from the window even if it’s not dark out yet, I just didn’t know if it will throw their egg production off if it’s before dusk some nights and not other nights.

 

[MommA2K]

Doesn't matter when your bedtime is...you go lock up the coop when they have all gone to into the coop to roost. You'll get used to when that happens, and know when to go out and lock up. It will vary with the weather and the time of year.

Well I hope they decide their bedtime is early like I prefer mine

 

[DobieLover]

I’m worried about the summer nights that I can’t make it to dusk lol if it were up to me I’d be in bed by 7:30 every night! They’ll still have light from the window even if it’s not dark out yet, I just didn’t know if it will throw their egg production off if it’s before dusk some nights and not other nights.

Such is the life of a chicken keeper.
I've found my rhythm coincides with my flocks.
I CAN'T sleep past dawn. I couldn't possibly be in bed by 7:30 each night as this place would quickly fall into ruin. And I wouldn't want to go to bed that early.

 

[PennysHennys]

An automatic door was tops on my must have list. They are pricey but sooo worth it.
I still check to make sure the doors are closed just in case. I attached bicycle reflectors so I can just shine my flashlight to make sure all is well. Like others have said, your flock decides their bedtime unless you force them into the coop. Predators
ARE waiting for you to not pay attention! Good luck!

 

[aart]

I’m worried about the summer nights that I can’t make it to dusk lol

I have the same problem....but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Autodoors might be an answer, but I don't think I could ever trust them at night, I'd have to go check.

 

[MommA2K]

An automatic door was tops on my must have list. They are pricey but sooo worth it.
I still check to make sure the doors are closed just in case. I attached bicycle reflectors so I can just shine my flashlight to make sure all is well. Like others have said, your flock decides their bedtime unless you force them into the coop. Predators
ARE waiting for you to not pay attention! Good luck!

I’ve wondered about that, is there a warning or something that sounds to let them know it’s closing time? Haha...or you just watch them for awhile and know what time they go in and set the door accordingly?