Chickens in the coop at night?

[avery_pittman05]

Should I lock my chickens up in their coop at night during the summer and open it up the next morning? Or is it okay for me to leave the door to the coop open at night (they have a run so they are protected)?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They are ok to be in an open building if you live on an island with no predators. How predator proof is your run?
If your run is completely covered with hardware cloth, no way to dig under the edges and not open at the top that predators can climb in or fly into, you're probably OK. If they are completely protected, keeping the building open will enhance ventilation which is good for them.

 

[imnukensc]

My pop door to the run is open 24/7/365. My run isn't Fort Knox, but is pretty secure. The only predator I've ever lost chickens to is hawks because I free range daily.

 

[avery_pittman05]

They are ok to be in an open building if you live on an island with no predators. How predator proof is your run?
If your run is completely covered with hardware cloth, no way to dig under the edges and not open at the top that predators can climb in or fly into, you're probably OK. If they are completely protected, keeping the building open will enhance ventilation which is good for them.

Well I was almost certain it was very secure but unfortunately I lost 2 of my Silkies recently to a dog breaking through the run, which is why I had my doubts, I have been recently locking them up in the coop and night and opening it the next morning but now that summer is close I’m afraid if I continue to do that they will overheat and die but if people don’t think they will I will continue to lock them up at night, the coop has ventilation I’m just afraid it’s not enough.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What state are you in?
If you are afraid you don't have enough ventilation, I guarantee that you don't. Most people believe they have enough but never do have enough.

 

[rosemarythyme]

the coop has ventilation I’m just afraid it’s not enough.

Photos of your set up? Or do you know how many sq ft of ventilation you have NOT counting doors, as well as sq ft of coop? Also the number of birds?

I never count my doors as part of ventilation, as I always close up at night. If you think there's not enough ventilation, time to add more (and then some)!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Shoot for 1 square foot per bird. You can never have too much ventilation unless you are closer to the arctic circle.