Coop and run self contained. Do I need to close coop at night?

[coreybirk]

My run is 10'x10'x7'high chain link overlaid with 1" chicken wire covering all sides, top, and bottom. Coop is inside this enclosure. Do I still need to close up coop at night?

 

[jetdog]

I would, the problem with chicken wire is a raccoon can rip and chew threw it, better safe than sorry.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The answer to your question depends on how comfortable you are that the run is truly predator proof and how precious are your chickens to you. If you are comfortable nothing can dig under, climb over, or pull it apart you don’t have to lock them in the coop section at night. Many people don’t and are quite happy with their decision. Some people occasionally get an unpleasant surprise. It has to be a personal decision.

One area to watch for is doors and gates. These are often your weak link. Raccoons are pretty good at unlatching latches, sometimes doors or gates don’t fit really tightly, or the hardware such as hinges or latches are weak enough a raccoon, coyote, or dog can rip them off.

I consider my run as pretty predator resistant but lock them up at night in the coop as an added layer of protection. But it’s your choice.

 

[Cacique500]

I would, the problem with chicken wire is a raccoon can rip and chew threw it, better safe than sorry.

Yep.

A lot of nasties can still get through a 1" hole. We had a brief rat problem and after trying all kinds of things to get rid of it we had to go the poison route - now no more rats. They were getting in the run and eating the chicken food and drinking their water...and also found a bunch of rat poop near their food every morning. Didn't want the risk of the chickens eating that. The coop was separate and closed, so they never got inside to bother the chickens.

 

[PapaChaz]

good answers in this thread so far. My experience, if y'all don't mind, concurs pretty close to ridge runners answer. A previous home in the country where we had chickens, I built a coop and run I was real confident in it's predator proof protection for my girls. Having lived there for over a decade, I wasn't the least bit apprehensive to leave the pop doors open all the time.

We moved into the city for a few years, now we're back in the country. I've built another coop/run and I am not the least bit worried about it either, BUT I've only lived here a few months and just not completely comfortable with leaving the pop doors open all the time yet. I have a couple of trail cameras I plan to set up on it so I can see what, if anything, comes around at night. Also, I'm not completely finished with the run portion, I still have to do an apron and secure from 'diggers'.

Once I know what I have/don't have to worry about, then I'll consider whether or not I'll leave the pop doors up all the time.

So it's all personal preference and confidence in what you have to worry about...........or not

 

[RonP]

I agree with the above posters.

My run is as secure as my coop, I leave the door open to the run 24/7.

Both were designed to withstand an attack by a 200 pound dog, probably my worst fear size wise.

As neither will prevent a rat, I am proactive to insure they do not establish a colony.

I am going on 7 years without a loss due to predators, and no rodent problems even though I leave food out 24/7.

My avatar shows the straw that broke my back. I reinforced my run so I could sleep at night with both eyes closed.