Do I need to lock my chickens in the coop at night?

[ClassyAsCluck]

Hello! We are new to the chicken world and will be getting our three girls this week. We live in the middle of the city and built our coop under our deck. We are in Arkansas, so temps get pretty warm in the summer. Do we need to close our chickens in the coop at night, or can we leave the small coop door open into the run? Our run seems to be secure, but it's never been put to the test. We also have a fence around our backyard, but it's only about 4 feet tall. I think our biggest threat will be raccoons. I've included a picture for reference.

Thank you!

 

[Tlmcq]

Racoons are a big problem for chicken owners. They can and will pull a chicken thru 1 inch poultry wire, especially if determined or can see them. They are very crafty and can figure out how to open latches and work there way under or thru poultry wire if it isn't buried 4 to 6 inches in ground. If the run is secure you do not necessarily have to lock them in, but if you have not been especially vigilant in securing run they could be at risk. I always lock mine in as it is safest place for them and they automatically go there just before dark. All I have to do is shut and latch the door. Much less stressful than dealing with injury or fatality. Not to mention not having to worry.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would lock them up, and consider changing the chicken wire on your coop to 1/2 hardware cloth. A raccoon could rip right through that.

Good luck

Gary

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes. ...your current wire is not pedator proof so having a barrier (door) between animals that get into the run and your sleeping birds will be important. IF a run is pedator proof it is not necessary, but still an added protection.

 

[ClassyAsCluck]

I would lock them up, and consider changing the chicken wire on your coop to 1/2 hardware cloth. A raccoon could rip right through that.

Good luck

Gary

Thank you!

 

[ClassyAsCluck]

I would lock them up, and consider changing the chicken wire on your coop to 1/2 hardware cloth. A raccoon could rip right through that.

Good luck

Gary

Yes. ...your current wire is not pedator proof so having a barrier (door) between animals that get into the run and your sleeping birds will be important. IF a run is pedator proof it is not necessary, but still an added protection.

Racoons are a big problem for chicken owners. They can and will pull a chicken thru 1 inch poultry wire, especially if determined or can see them. They are very crafty and can figure out how to open latches and work there way under or thru poultry wire if it isn't buried 4 to 6 inches in ground. If the run is secure you do not necessarily have to lock them in, but if you have not been especially vigilant in securing run they could be at risk. I always lock mine in as it is safest place for them and they automatically go there just before dark. All I have to do is shut and latch the door. Much less stressful than dealing with injury or fatality. Not to mention not having to worry.

Thanks! I think I will keep them locked up.

 

[ClassyAsCluck]

We will definitely consider replacing the wire! Thank you everyone.

Right now we have the food and water set-up in the run. Do I need to move this into the actual coop since they will be in there overnight? Or maybe just put an extra waterer in the coop for them?

 

[RodNTN]

Yes, its better to be safe than sorry

 

[Farmgal101]

YES,Lock them up.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

We will definitely consider replacing the wire! Thank you everyone.

Right now we have the food and water set-up in the run. Do I need to move this into the actual coop since they will be in there overnight? Or maybe just put an extra waterer in the coop for them?

So long as you will be out first thing to let them out it isn't necessary......the feed may draw pests of the rodent persuasion during the overnight hours if in a feeder tup they can get into as they will be able to get through that wire