Does anyone keep their chickens outdoors in a predator proofed run at night with an open air coop that's not locked?

[RainbowRabbits]

Is this something that's even possible? If so, what kind of success or failures have you had with this time of setup?

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

Is this something that's even possible? If so, what kind of success or failures have you had with this time of setup?

What do you mean by open air? I used to keep my chickens in a small coop inside their enclosed run which worked well. On hot days they would sleep outside in the run on beams that held up their cover.

They ended up moving into a coop upstairs because they needed more space, but they did well.

 

[RainbowRabbits]

What do you mean by open air? I used to keep my chickens in a small coop inside their enclosed run which worked well. On hot days they would sleep outside in the run on beams that held up their cover.

They ended up moving into a coop upstairs because they needed more space, but they did well.

It's also called the "fresh air" or woods style coop. It's supposed to be really beneficial for the health of the birds.

https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Air-Poultry-Houses-Open-Front-Healthier/dp/097217706X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HPP2NQOPIDZ6&keywords=wood's+open+air+coop&qid=1649723289&s=books&sprefix=wood's+open+air+coop,stripbooks,377&sr=1-2&tag=backy-20


The author listed the whole book for free online. https://gnipsel.com/files/chickens/mfaph.pdf

 

[Aunt Angus]

I don't have a woods coop. I have a converted shed that opens into a predator proof run (although I doubt there are many runs that are truly predator proof in an area like mine that has SERIOUS predators). I leave the door from the coop to the run open 24/7 since we added the electric fence.

 

[Brooks_]

Is this something that's even possible?

Yes, if your climate and overall design allow for it.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

It's also called the "fresh air" or woods style coop. It's supposed to be really beneficial for the health of the birds.

https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Air-Poultry-Houses-Open-Front-Healthier/dp/097217706X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HPP2NQOPIDZ6&keywords=wood's+open+air+coop&qid=1649723289&s=books&sprefix=wood's+open+air+coop,stripbooks,377&sr=1-2&tag=backy-20


The author listed the whole book for free online. https://gnipsel.com/files/chickens/mfaph.pdf

That’s really interesting! What’s your climate like? I would be a little worried if it gets rainy or cold.

 

[arizona_chicken_noob]

I know of a couple that keeps chickens as part of their farm business and their "coop" is extremely open air, basically build out of intact pallets and 3 sided. The trick I suppose is that they place it inside a run that is about 10x40 and covered with chain link fence on all sides, including the ceiling. You can see it on youtube "Edge of Nowhere farm chickens".

This is maybe not exactly the same as your title but the chickens have access to coop and run all night long, and predators can't get in.

 

[RainbowRabbits]

hanathehappyhen : (sorry I'm having trouble quoting you) I have harsh winters (It's actually used in winter climates as well).

Check out this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/woods-style-house-in-the-winter.445004/

From what I read they used to be really common and (supposedly) helped eliminate a lot of health issues with the birds.

I've read that people have had these style coops in negative degree weather and haven't had any issues with frostbite. It's pretty interesting!!

 

[RainbowRabbits]

I know of a couple that keeps chickens as part of their farm business and their "coop" is extremely open air, basically build out of intact pallets and 3 sided. The trick I suppose is that they place it inside a run that is about 10x40 and covered with chain link fence on all sides, including the ceiling. You can see it on youtube "Edge of Nowhere farm chickens".

This is maybe not exactly the same as your title but the chickens have access to coop and run all night long, and predators can't get in.

Thank you!! This is exactly what I was looking for!

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm not sure what you're asking.

My open air coop is a bag wire box with a 3-sided shelter at once end.

The wired area is secure, with doors that have double latches and are secured with Carabiners.