Do I need to close the coop door at night?

[Rustic Chicken]

My husband and I have been faithfully opening and closing the chicken coop door every night. Their coop door is in their run so it would be very difficult for something to get to the door. Is it necessary that we continue to do this? Or is it ok to leave it open because of it being surrounded by the run? An automatic door is looking better and better!

 

[b.hromada]

I would. You never know what may get into their run during the night. Just to keep them safe.

 

[TipsyDog]

http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/2100-2107.html

I can't tell you how wonderful this product is!!! We've been using it now for a year and it works perfectly. Don't buy the timer, you won't need it.

I actually have 2 doors that this opener operates. We have the coop door and a door on the run. By using pulleys, 1 motor will easily open both doors. Every morning the coop door opens at dawn as well as the their run door because my flock free ranges all day. At night everything closes up. It allows me to sleep late or get home late or even go away overnight and the system is automated. If you plan on keeping chickens for a few years - this is a MUST HAVE investment!

As far as the coop door closing at night, YES you should close it up tight. Better safe than sorry! I believe my run is like Fort Knox, but I still make sure the doors are closed to the coop at night.

 

[Rustic Chicken]

Thanks guys! I just wanted reassurance that I should keep up my security measures. I will absolutely look into the automatic door.

 

[UrbanChick101]

Quote:
AMEN!! I don't have one, but I am tired of going out and getting spooked by the yucky earwigs hanging out all over the pen!! I hate going through the door of the pen, with the thought of the nasty things dropping on me!!

 

[jennh]

This summer it was VERY hot here. I had been leaving the coop doors open, even though the run was fenced in. I was awakened in the middle of the night hearing a hen go screaming across the backyard. I thought I was dreaming, cause they were fenced in. Anyway, I got up and went down to check. I found a possum IN THE COOP eating 2 of my baby chicks

I found the Momma hen in a corner behind the coop with the last point of her comb bitten off. Henrietta, anothere hen, was the one I heard running through the backyard. BTW, it was 4:00 in the morning.
So Yes, close the door (s). I never thought it would happen to me, but everyone said it WILL happen to you, sooner or later.

Jen

 

[BWKatz]

Everything out there loves chicken to go. They can smell them a mile away and come running. Be safe and close the door.

 

[TipsyDog]

Quote:
So sorry that happened! When we have the hot nights, I leave the big coop door open. My husband made a "screen door" out of a sturdy frame with hardware cloth. I install that into the opening on hot nights and it's like they have another window. It's worked well for me so far - nothing has penetrated the run - YET. (OK - not counting the bear cub that went through the chicken's run door and ate all their food in broad daylight!)

 

[kuntrygirl]

Yes. Please close the coop door at night. Please continue to protect your loved animals.

 

[jennh]

Quote:
So sorry that happened! When we have the hot nights, I leave the big coop door open. My husband made a "screen door" out of a sturdy frame with hardware cloth. I install that into the opening on hot nights and it's like they have another window. It's worked well for me so far - nothing has penetrated the run - YET. (OK - not counting the bear cub that went through the chicken's run door and ate all their food in broad daylight!)

Hi! That's exactly what I plan on doing for next summer. First off, I'm getting TWO automatic coop door openers for both my doors. Then I'm going to use plexiglass (I think) in the winter, and replace that with hardware cloth for the summer.

Jen