Close the ramp for nighttime?

[PrincessTrudeia]

I have a small coop inside a larger run. The coop was a prebuilt and has a small attached outside enclosure, accessed by a closable ramp. The attached enclosure is all 1/2" hardware cloth. So my question is - do I need to close the ramp at night? I get worried about heat if I sleep in and the girls are always anxious to get out. Is it necessary if everything is critter proof?

 

[mowin]

Is your larger run that this is inside of predator proof? Do you lock up the main coop at night? How predator proof is the little coop itself, windows and vents ECT covered with HC?

If something can get into the main run, then I'd close up the little coop.

 

[SueT]

I don't sleep in any more....
A predator can dig under, just close it up for peace of mind.

 

[DobieLover]

View attachment 1836324 View attachment 1836325 I have a small coop inside a larger run. The coop was a prebuilt and has a small attached outside enclosure, accessed by a closable ramp. The attached enclosure is all 1/2" hardware cloth. So my question is - do I need to close the ramp at night? I get worried about heat if I sleep in and the girls are always anxious to get out. Is it necessary if everything is critter proof?

I would install a predator apron all the way around that little coop/run combo and possibly anchor the whole thing down with metal cables. I'd also add something more than just those little barrel bolts to secure the doors. You can use hasps with carbineers to secure the doors. That would make the run part as protected as just locking them into that little coop.
Then I'd leave the ramp open provided that the prevailing winds don't blow in that way. If they do, you'd need to put a wind block up for winter.
Where is the ventilation on the coop?

 

[MissChick@dee]

View attachment 1836324 View attachment 1836325 I have a small coop inside a larger run. The coop was a prebuilt and has a small attached outside enclosure, accessed by a closable ramp. The attached enclosure is all 1/2" hardware cloth. So my question is - do I need to close the ramp at night? I get worried about heat if I sleep in and the girls are always anxious to get out. Is it necessary if everything is critter proof?

I have a similar set-up if I could make a suggestion Raise your entire setup up off the ground.
The floor of my coop is at my waist.
Easy to clean no getting on my knees or bending.
The additional space under the coop and attached run Is nice for them too.
Mine is inside a dog run (tin roof & wire on top) so during hot weather I open everything up ~ even have a board that props up the lid to the egg box.
We’ve made a addition to ours and that too has a door that opens.
Good luck
Best wishes

 

[PrincessTrudeia]

I would install a predator apron all the way around that little coop/run combo and possibly anchor the whole thing down with metal cables. I'd also add something more than just those little barrel bolts to secure the doors. You can use hasps with carbineers to secure the doors. That would make the run part as protected as just locking them into that little coop.
Then I'd leave the ramp open provided that the prevailing winds don't blow in that way. If they do, you'd need to put a wind block up for winter.
Where is the ventilation on the coop?

The coop has hardware cloth along the bottom as well. I replaced both the locks with a chain link that has a screw lock. The coop is ventilated but I think I'd want to close the ramp in the winter, I'd be up earlier then anyway.

 

[PrincessTrudeia]

I have a similar set-up if I could make a suggestion Raise you entire setup up off the ground.
The floor of my coop is at my waist.
Easy to clean no getting on my knees or bending.
The additional space under the coop and attached run Is nice for them too.
Mine is inside a dog run (tin roof & wire on top) so during hot weather I open everything up ~ even have a board that props up the lid to the egg box.
We’ve made a addition to ours and that too has a door that opens.
Good luck
Best wishes

Yes, my next step will be to raise this up or build a new coop one day, the rats do tunnel underneath. I've put ply underneath to keep the dirt from collapsing in under the wire, but I know that won't be permanent either.

 

[PrincessTrudeia]

The vents have hardware cloth pinned in as well.

 

[rsmith1109]

View attachment 1836324 View attachment 1836325 I have a small coop inside a larger run. The coop was a prebuilt and has a small attached outside enclosure, accessed by a closable ramp. The attached enclosure is all 1/2" hardware cloth. So my question is - do I need to close the ramp at night? I get worried about heat if I sleep in and the girls are always anxious to get out. Is it necessary if everything is critter proof?

No, if it's truly critter proof it can remain open unless there are reasons to close it (inclement weather, for instance). I open and close mine if, for some reason, I need to isolate my hens on one side or the other - for shoveling manure, for instance, when I want to leave the main door open.

 

[SueT]

The coop has hardware cloth along the bottom as well.

Then I think you are OK leaving it open....
You are so lucky to live on Vancouver Island!!!!!