Do you keep your chickens locked in coop while at work

[suebee]

I sold some chickens to a family and found out they don't let them out of coop until they get home from work in the evening. I'm not happy.
They were used to free ranging at my house, but new owners say too many predators and were scared of someone stealing them while they're away.
His coop is big enough for the 8 chickens, but 3 are roo's. There has to be fighting.
I'm not happy about this. They were used to sunshine, fresh air, grass, bugs, and especially freedom.
So sad, but nothing I can do.

Does anyone else keep them locked up during work hours? Do the chickens seem happy?

 

[RevaVirginia]

Know where you're coming from. With plenty of room, food, water and diligent housekeeping they'll be better off than many...

c'mon...smile..!

 

[emys]

Sounds like they are trying to protect them from predators. They still get out every night and probably lots on weekends. Isn't that better than dead chickens?

At least they are cared for, which is more than some birds ever get.

 

[patman75]

I keep mine in the tractor and coop while I'm at work and then let them out when I get home late in the evening.

If i didn't I would have no chickens because they would be dead chickens. Dogs, hawks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, cars.

Alive chickens are better than dead chickens

 

[suebee]

Yeah, it's true he's trying to protect them. He said wife gets home at 4pm and lets them out. He says they get out whenever they are home.
It's just such an extreme to go from total free range to this.

 

[emys]

In direct answer to your question, I keep my small chickens locked up while at work every day and they seem perfectly happy.

They might prefer to be free all day, but, we have too many large tom cats hanging around and large hawks. I don't want to risk their lives, and my birds are used to this routine. They know when they get let out and look forward to it eagerly, but don't bother asking early in the day.

 

[suebee]

I just hope he's got windows. I'd hate for it to be really dark in the coop. And he really needs to get rid of at least one of the 3 roos. Right now its 6 silkie hens to 3 silkie roos. Of course I'm guilty of having a bad ratio like that, but mine free range.

 

[Hoosiermomma]

Maybe you could go and visit them and see where they are kept. I have done that whenever I have rehomed something.....for peace of mind. We always free range ours when we are home but when we are gone which can be 12 hours at a time, then they are in. I think yours will adapt very quickly so try not to worry. As others have said, he cares enough about them to make sure they are protected while they are gone.

 

[LynneP]

It's difficult when you raise animals for sale. I think the problem is the 3 roos, as you said. We built our run like Fort Knox, so that the birds can go in and out, year-round. I think these people intend to protect the birds, but maybe it's worth a talk/visit to express your concerns.

 

[emys]

They don't have access to a run?