Close up coop at night?

[bayside chick]

I`d lock them up...why chance it?

Mine are now in a 6ft. high ,14ft.X24ft. predator proof (?) enclosure all day , and locked up tight EVERY night...as a matter of fact each coop opening also has 2 screws that are unscrewed every morning and re-screwed every night , as well as locking the hasps.

Call me crazy , but after 2 coon attacks

I`m taking no chances , it doesn`t take long to secure them.

 

[chickensioux]

Quote:
Ditto

 

[beak]

I would put them in. Predators get pretty determined. They may bring some wire cutters with them if they have all night to work at it. It's such a drag to lose some good layers because it takes so long and so much effort to get them there. Then some lowlife predator comes along and eats them. Nice little coop though.

 

[emvickrey]

We have Coyotes, raccoon, skunks, Owls, and Hawks. A hawk actually tried to get one of my hens but a squirrell surprised it and scared it away. We saw it happening but could do nothing about it. We let our chickens out of the coop when they have laid their eggs or in the afternoon. Which ever comes first. They go to bed before it gets dark and we just go out and lock it up. WE are in the process of putting up a run for them. It will be covered so we won't have to worry aobut letting them out or locking them up.

If it would quit raining long enough we could get it done.

I think it is up to the owner as to hw you want to keep your flock. We have dogs in this area. Three of ours run free becuse they won't harm the birds but 1 is in a pen. He will. He actually just wants to play wth them but he is a St Bernard. He got a hold of one of my 2 month old hens and just wrapped his front feet around her and bruised her thigh and broke her toe. The hubby was able to get her away before he chomped down for the squeeky part. Thank goodness. We have a neighbor that has a poodle that doesn't bother them and there is a pit mix that doesn't seem to be interested but I always run him off. I see him loose and I put my flock in their coop. I would neverleave for the day and leave them to fend for themselves. To the store and back maybe but not all day.