Do I need a pop hole that shuts ?

[connor97]

My coop and run has a steel roof, and the run is very very predator proof. The only predators that would ever be able to get in my backyard would be coons, possums, cats, and maybe rats. We live in Southern California so there aren't many predators here, I rarely see any coons and once and a while I see some possums, but not often at all. Anyway I'm 99% sure nothing would be able to get in at night so is the little pop hole need to be covered? It would be much eaiser that way because I wouldnt have to wake up early in the morning to let them out.

 

[Hokum Coco]

A weasel or mink would make it so there would be no reason to even have a coop with just one visit.

 

[connor97]

There are no weasels or minks here in the city. Not even sure if they have any in this state

 

[Hokum Coco]

Sounds like you can leave things status quo. I am sure you took safe guards for digging predators as well. Where you have your structure built so nothing can get in and prey upon your birds you are good to go. If it can hold out a determined raccoon you may be alright. Domestic dogs can sometimes surprise you as well. As long as you hope for the best and are prepared for the worst what can go wrong.

I hope things work out for you GOOD LUCK!.

 

[connor97]

Yes nothing can dig under, the run and coop is built on cinder blocks. Also we are adding wood siding to the bottom of the run so that our dog or any other strong predators can't bite their way into the run. Thanks for your answer good luck too you as well !

 

[cknkids]

We also live in So Calf. Got our first chickens last May and completed there coop in Aug. Didn't install the pop door until last month when the temps drooped near freezing. They love to be able to come out in their run as early as it's light and we're not getting up to let them out.

 

[Auscal]

I am also in Southern California, my pen is very secure - so the only time the pop door gets closed is on very windy nights, or the very occasional freezing cold night, Other than that, the chickens head in there at dusk, then are out by themselves at dawn (well, on the odd occasion I had been out then, they are already out LOL)

 

[RonC]

Mine doesn't have a door on it and have had no problems. Don't trust chicken wire to be predator proof! Welded wire fencing or hardware cloth only.