Coop at night

[itsokay]

Hello! Brand new chicken owner here. Here is my coop, which is a bit embarrassing compared to all the lovely ones posted here..but as I said, I'm new at this and we're only keeping two chickens.

Normally we lock the chickens in at night but we will be away for a few nights next month and I am wondering if it's okay to only have someone check on them and feed them once a day (for 3 nights) or do I need to ask them to come twice to lock them in for the night?
I live in Brisbane in the suburbs. There is no way for dogs to get into our back yard but we do hear the odd cat fight at night.

Thanks!

 

[itsokay]

I should mention that I don't mean leaving them outside loose.. I mean not locking them in the actual coop but keeping the coop door open to the run.

 

[MoonShadows]

Personally, I wouldn't. You run is open to the grass. It's too easy for an animal to dig under it. The more secure you can make them at night, the better off they will be, and the easier you will sleep while away.

 

[boskelli1571]

Hi there, I'm with Moonshadows..too many little critters can get in and cause havoc. It would be much better to have them safely locked in at night.

 

[itsokay]

Thanks! Ok I'll get them to come twice. I'd be devastated if something happened to my babies!