Can I open the coop door into the run when it's still dark outside?

[peacebird]

It's staying dark outside later and later in the morning as winter approaches. I usually wait until after sunrise to open the coop door into the run, but it's making me late for work.

I worry about predators skulking about pre-dawn..

 

[MissPrissy]

The time will change in a couple weeks and it will be sunny at 6am or so. I am waiting for the time change! It gives me an hour edge on my barn chores because my entire barn is not wired for lights.

I don't see why you can't open up a little early before the sun is actually up. The chickens most likely won't venture out until the sun is beginning to come up any way because they can't see well in the dark.

If your run is secure they should be fine.

 

[peacebird]

thank you! I was hoping someone would answer quickly....

I'll open it up at 6 cuz I need to get to work early today.

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

We leave our coop door open for the chickens day and night it leads into the pen so it is enclosed. It hasn't got that cold here yet. I have closed the windows to keep drafts out. I will close the coop door later when it does get colder.

 

[ruth]

I also leave the coop door open day and night. I'm not a morning person so it's usually 10 a.m. before I get out there and let them out of their run. Even then they are pacing in front of the gate, tripping over one another. If they were locked up in their coop they would probably be killing each other. I've never had a problem with predators but I do understand that is a risk I take. My theory/reasoning also goes something like this - if a predator did get in the coop I would rather that some of the chickens could at least escape and not be locked in with the killer. Again, thank the Lord, I haven't had that theory tested. Mine also free range all day long and by leaving the coop open, they come back when they need to lay an egg and then go back to free ranging. I guess you could say we have an "open door policy" around here. They come and go as they please. I do close and lock the run gate at night after they've all gone in.