closing the coop door

[carol-ann]

this might be a silly question, and if so,please be patient with me

i am new to keeping chickens - got my first 4 in the middle of march

they are in an enclosed run with enough space to run around in, and it is well protected from intruders.

why is it necessary to close the coop door at night?

i can understand closing the door in the winter to keep the chickens warm, but is it necessary to close the coop door in the summer?

tks
carol-ann

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined us!


It depends on the confidence you have in your run. If you think it is truly predator-proof, there is no reason to lock them in the coop.

 

[carol-ann]

thank you for your warm welcome ridgerunner

yes, i am absolutely confident in how the run is constructed.

we started off shutting the door at nigth, and a couple of weeks ago we went on holiday and family came to feed and take eggs out etc. we couldnt ask them to come twice a day (morning and night) so the door was left open at night.

we got a bit lazy when we came home, and the girls seem to be happy enough. so was wondering how necessary it was to lock em in at night.

we will do that in the winter - wouldnt like to think they would get hypothermia!!!

thanks again

carol