My chicks are 8 weeks old and have been outside for about 2 weeks. There was an existing coop on the property we moved on and the chicken door had a broken hinge on it so I was securing the chickens in every night by putting a cinder block next to the door. There is a "chicken yard" fence and a coyote fence between them and the property line. Is it essential that I lock them in the coop at night? Don't they naturally go in at night and come out in the morning? Is it a predator thing (the reason for locking them in)? Any input is appreciated! Thanks!!
They need to be locked in. Raccoons are very crafty and can open anything a 2 year old human child could. Given all night to work on it other predators could find a way in too I'm sure.
If you want live chickens in the morning, you should lock them up at night. They are a tasty treat for many predators. I lock mine up by dusk in the coop. I also close the attached yard that opens into a fenced 1/2 acre pasture. Safety first.
Even if you have a predator-proofed yard, you should bring your birds in at night. Having them out might attract the attention of predators who would have otherwise moved on.
Considering that coyotes got my 14 pound roo, I'd think the chickens should be kept in and away from predators. A bit of caution is always in order. Best wishes with your youngins!
