Do chickens make use of covered areas?

[Hardknockshomestead]

I have a completely enclosed, secure coop here. No openings to the outside larger than 1/2 inch.

When the pop door is opened each morning, the chickens are let out into a fenced yard. It is secure against large predators such as wolves, dogs, coyotes and foxes. The yard is not covered yet and would not protect my chickens from eagles, hawks, raccoons, weasels, etc. I think a hungry bear could probably get into the yard/run if determined and bold.

Inside the yard/run and enclosing the pop door, I made a small framed-in area covered on all sides and the top to give my chooks additional space to wander during the day even if it is a full blizzard out with 50 mph winds. I used clear reinforced plastic and will have a better system next year.

The chickens are always locked in the coop at night and always let out into the yard/run during daylight hours.

This system has worked well for us and although we see predator tracks around the coop in the yard, we know our birds are safe at night.

Next spring I will cover the yard so that flying predators can't get to my chickens during the day. However, the yard/run will not be secure from smaller predators.

You just have to secure your birds based on your own individual circumstances.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I have a completely enclosed, secure coop here. No openings to the outside larger than 1/2 inch.

When the pop door is opened each morning, the chickens are let out into a fenced yard. It is secure against large predators such as wolves, dogs, coyotes and foxes. The yard is not covered yet and would not protect my chickens from eagles, hawks, raccoons, weasels, etc. I think a hungry bear could probably get into the yard/run if determined and bold.

Inside the yard/run and enclosing the pop door, I made a small framed-in area covered on all sides and the top to give my chooks additional space to wander during the day even if it is a full blizzard out with 50 mph winds. I used clear reinforced plastic and will have a better system next year.

The chickens are always locked in the coop at night and always let out into the yard/run during daylight hours.

This system has worked well for us and although we see predator tracks around the coop in the yard, we know our birds are safe at night.

Next spring I will cover the yard so that flying predators can't get to my chickens during the day. However, the yard/run will not be secure from smaller predators.

You just have to secure your birds based on your own individual circumstances.

So true...seems we’re always improving looking back on how I kept my chickens my very first year is kind of embarrassing
How I didn’t loose any to predators was just dumb luck!!
Every year there’s improvement over the last.
Part of the process. Very much like gardening to me.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't understand why you feel the need to tear down a covered run to allow them access to a larger area. If you don't have a door between the larger area install a pop door or a human door and leave it open when you want them to have access to outside. Just make sure the wind cannot blow it shut. Having a covered run like that gives you more flexibility in how you can manage them. I like flexibility.

Once they are feathered out chickens can manage whether they want to be outside in the rain or not, like the wild birds in your area. Mine like to be out in most rains, I think they are hunting for earthworms. In heavier rains mine tend to go under shelter, especially if strong winds are involved. Instead of trying to micromanage my chickens I give mine the option to decide for themselves.

 

[chickens really]

Stick with the original plan and have a safe secure run attached to your Coop. When I let my Chickens and Ducks out they also have trees and shrubs to hide under if need be?..

 

[Hardknockshomestead]

So true...seems we’re always improving looking back on how I kept my chickens my very first year is kind of embarrassing
How I didn’t loose any to predators was just dumb luck!!
Every year there’s improvement over the last.
Part of the process. Very much like gardening to me.

So true! I'm always banging my head against the wall trying to build the better mousetrap...literally and figuratively!
This one is NOT working, btw.

 

[jthornton]

So true! I'm always banging my head against the wall trying to build the better mousetrap...literally and figuratively!
This one is NOT working, btw.

My new mouse trap seems to be working... I put a small bowl of cheap cat food by the firewood storage area each morning. I've not caught a mouse or rat since in any of my traps. I feel it's safe to get my truck out of the shop now (I had to hide it from the wood rats they kept eating it).

JT

 

[jthornton]

Just make sure the wind cannot blow it shut.

I found that out the hard way one day when it was windy. Now I hook the door to the run open so the wind can't blow it shut. Oh it hit me not a chicken...

JT

 

[Melky]

Mine currently have a coop with small, covered run attached. We’re extending to make a larger fenced area...

My question is whether to scrap the run so they have more room (so it’ll just be the coop in the fenced area) or keep it for them to stand out of the rain?

When they’re free ranging and it’s very rainy or windy they never seem to think to go into the covered area, preferring to stay out in the elements! Which is why I’m asking what other people’s experiences are?

I keep a coop/run that has a covered shingled roof to protect from the elements and predators. Mine only free range when out to watch. I have not had a predator attack. My family dog is helpful in preventing wildlife on the property.

 

[Hardknockshomestead]

I found that out the hard way one day when it was windy. Now I hook the door to the run open so the wind can't blow it shut. Oh it hit me not a chicken...

JT

Oh I can visualise that! I also had the wind knock a pallet over onto me which I had leaning up against the run fence.

Oh and the time I went out at 6 am in my nightie, barefoot, when everyone else was still inside asleep, to have the swing handle lock me in the chicken coop. I had to crawl out the pop door, which is 16 inches high by 12 inches wide. Headfirst, and hands first, down about a foot, then on all fours one knee at a time, RIGHT INTO THE MUD AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE, just so I could get back to the house.

Lesson learned the hard way that time!

 

[MissChick@dee]

Oh I can visualise that! I also had the wind knock a pallet over onto me which I had leaning up against the run fence.

Oh and the time I went out at 6 am in my nightie, barefoot, when everyone else was still inside asleep, to have the swing handle lock me in the chicken coop. I had to crawl out the pop door, which is 16 inches high by 12 inches wide. Headfirst, and hands first, down about a foot, then on all fours one knee at a time, RIGHT INTO THE MUD AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE, just so I could get back to the house.

Lesson learned the hard way that time!

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