Chickens outside at night

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

I let my birds out each evening and allow them to roam around. When it starts getting dark I lure them in with treats. I have an automatic door opener, which makes them feel safe and eases my fears about predators.

 

[bobbi-j]

I love in northern Maine already only 40 degrees at night and I have two roosters that have taken to a tree at night not too bugged about it since it was warm until tonight.. They are still in the tree my other 10 (half insist on roosting on the outside of coupe but I fetched them all i installed their 100 watt heat lamp I'm sure they would be fine I'm mostly concerned cuz of predators but my babies are still only 14 wks but they aren't scared of much and I'm their world it seems so I do head count every am.. Chickens are way smarter than I ever knew

At 14 weeks, they definitely don't need a heat lamp. It's likely too hot in the coop for them with that on. If you want them to learn to go in at night, a nightlight that stays on for a bit after sundown would help, but I wouldn't leave it on all night. It can be turned off manually or put on a timer.

 

[Aquatic_blue]

My birds have always foisted inside the coop. As soon as the big girl goes in the others follow. Even though they are in a secure aviary I always close the door to keep out drafts and to make them feel safe. (I treated myself to an automatic door opener and closer - saves me getting up at 6am to let them out.)

I have heard about automatic door openers. Never have researched into them. Which one would you recommend?

 

[cavemanrich]

This is the one I have. Totally satisfied. Over 2 years in service. Change $5 battery once per year.
Ador1
https://adorstore.com/products/ador1-automatic-chicken-door

 

[Jamited]

Mine is called Chicken Guard.you have to use it with poo holes that go up and down. Very easy to set and change times.just makes life a little easier!

 

[Aquatic_blue]

That is a neat concept...just don't have $100-$200 laying around for one. A lot of money. I think I would rather close it at night and open it of a morning. Thanks, though!

 

[aart]

you have to use it with poo holes that go up and down

Say What?!?
Probably typo, but cracked me up!

 

[CatWhisperer]

I use the same door as cavemanrich, actually 2 of them. Have had them for 6 years. I change battery’s every 6 months to a year. They have been great.

 

[Jamited]

Say What?!?
Probably typo, but cracked me up!

It was supposed to read pop hole but my device likes to change what I type. Glad it made you laugh

 

[Aquatic_blue]

It was supposed to read pop hole but my device likes to change what I type. Glad it made you laugh

Predictive text should have an option to turn it off if it annoys you too much. I figured "pop" is what you meant. =P