Do I need to lock my chicks in at night?

[lulurenee]

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!!

 

[gritsar]

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.

 

[chickencrazymamahen]

YES

 

[urbanfarmer101]

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.

 

[Dora'smom]

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.

 

[ChooksChick]

You're not locking them in- you're locking predators out.

How to avoid a free chicken dinner

 

[noodleroo]

Quote:
Well put.

 

[Rohnasmom]

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!

 

[lulurenee]

Thanks for the advice... I'll get that hinge fixed and keep up with the block in the meantime