Coop schedule

[JanetRN1]

Quick question…I’m new to all this and I’m just trying to be prepared. I plan on putting the chicks to bed at dusk, but I leave for work around 6am. And sometimes it’s still dark outside. Can I open the coop then? I don’t want to confuse them

 

[Sally PB]

Sure. They'll come out when they think it's light enough to do so. I do that very thing often in the winter when it doesn't get light until nearly 8 am, and I need to get my day started.

 

[JanetRN1]

Whew!! Thank you! I was ready to look for a sitter

 

[Squawkers]

Maybe it’s not a big concern, but I would be worried about opening the door too long before it got light, in case any raccoons or other nighttime predators were still out. I have my automatic coop door open when there is a little bit of light out.

 

[aart]

They should put themselves to bed around dusk.
Opening up the coop when you leave for work should be fine,
IF you have a secure run that they spend the day in.

 

[JanetRN1]

They should put themselves to bed around dusk.
Opening up the coop when you leave for work should be fine,
IF you have a secure run that they spend the day in.

I am working on that now. I have hardware cloth along the roof off the coop and in any openings. The coop is inside a fence wrapped with hardware cloth with a 2’ skirt and lined with blocks. I have to change a few latches to more secure ones. I’m trying to be as proactive as possible. Heck, I might not even be able to get in by the time I’m done

 

[JanetRN1]

Maybe it’s not a big concern, but I would be worried about opening the door too long before it got light, in case any raccoons or other nighttime predators were still out. I have my automatic coop door open when there is a little bit of light out.

I’m thinking of putting some kind of light out there. Like landscape lights, or motion detectors. Would that be a good idea or is that too much?

 

[aart]

I’m thinking of putting some kind of light out there. Like landscape lights, or motion detectors. Would that be a good idea or is that too much?

That won't deter predators, at least not for long.
..and it could affect the chickens, especially motion detected ones.
I wouldn't bother.

 

[Squawkers]

I’m thinking of putting some kind of light out there. Like landscape lights, or motion detectors. Would that be a good idea or is that too much?

Would it be worth it to you to get an automatic door? That would be great for if you had to go out of town too.

 

[HereForTheChicks]

Would it be worth it to you to get an automatic door? That would be great for if you had to go out of town too.

I really like the Run Chicken door. Only was faulty once in 3 years.