Do they have to go into the coop at night?

[Sunnymommy]

Even if you are convinced that your run is predator proof, it isn't going to be pretty the first time a storm kicks up after dark

What isn't going to be pretty? Confused..

 

[debid]

What isn't going to be pretty? Confused..

Chickens don't see well at all in the dark but won't want to sit there getting soaked or enduring high winds either. Does it not storm where you live?

 

[Sunnymommy]

It's all roofed, so it doesn't really get wet in there. Also pretty protected from wind.
So if it's dark out they won't move from the run into the coop later if they want to?

 

[lazy gardener]

No. They are completely helpless when it's dark out. ie: if an owl, or weasel, or rat, or possum... or any other critter moves onto the perch after dark, he can literally eat them right off the perch.

 

[feather13]

We've raised so many chicks that have met bad ends at the hands of predators that we ALWAYS put our birds in the coop at night.