Chicken door thoughts

[TexasSam]

I have been thinking about modifying my coop. I want to experiment with raising my chickens door up about three feet from the ground and not closing it at night. Two reasons one is the birds that are big enough to get out can reach it and the ones that aren’t can play in the protection of the run. What do y’all think and has anyone ever tried it.
Really the only predators that could get in that height is a cat or a owl at night

 

[jthornton]

So can a raccoon, opossum, snake, rats, mice... I know there are more I'm missing.

JT

 

[TexasSam]

So can a raccoon, opossum, snake, rats, mice... I know there are more I'm missing.

JT

The opening would be 3 or 4 feet from the ground with a post to land on. The chickens would have to fly up to get in. Only way a predator could get in is climb straight up a smooth wall or jump really high

 

[TexasSam]

A owl could but we only have the smaller ones around my area

 

[TheYLWFlock]

You'd be surprised at how well some predators can jump/climb. And you mentioned that an owl could get in. So if you know something could get in, why risk it? Just my thoughts.

 

[User395221]

is climb straight up a smooth wall or jump really high

You'd be surprised at the abilities and agility of animals. I've seen on tv domestic dogs "escaping" their yards by climbing the fence (flat fence, not chain-link)
It really depends what predators you have in your area as to who you have to worry about, but I wouldn't be assuming that "critters" can't climb or jump that sort of height.

 

[TexasSam]

Well I was thinking about doing it to let the chickens out and keep the little chicks in. I guess a door is needed

 

[jthornton]

The opening would be 3 or 4 feet from the ground with a post to land on. The chickens would have to fly up to get in. Only way a predator could get in is climb straight up a smooth wall or jump really high

Ever watch a black snake 4' long just go right up the side of a tree? I've seen it more than once on my property, it's a pretty amazing sight if they are not headed for your coop. Do you have any idea how high a mouse, rat, raccoon, opossum can jump? I've seen videos of mice jumping up a 6' tall wall... raccoon's and opossums can climb right up the side of a tree.

JT

 

[jthornton]

Well I was thinking about doing it to let the chickens out and keep the little chicks in. I guess a door is needed

My chicks could fly by 2 weeks old... by 3 weeks a common thing to see one fly up 2' to the top of the brooder.

JT

 

[RonP]

There are some valid reasons to raise a coop door, but providing protection from some predators seems fruitless since it will not protect from the rest.

Counting on that seems like a recipe for disaster...