Hi, i am new and awaiting my first chicks to arrive this week. I have a predator-proof coop but open chicken run, so was curious when i should put my hens to bed at night. In the Summer, the sun doesnt set until 830 or 9, but in the Winter, do i need to put my birds to bed at 5 (when the sun sets) to protect against racoons?? That seems much too early. What time does everyone put their free-ranging hens to bed when they dont have an enclosed run? Though we will free range, we only have a quarter acre lot, in the suburbs, so its not like the birds can go very far.
On that note, when do you let your hens out in the morning? Sunrise?
Thanks so much for the information, i could not find this info on the forum, but that is probably because i wasnt using the correct search words!
On that note, when do you let your hens out in the morning? Sunrise?
Thanks so much for the information, i could not find this info on the forum, but that is probably because i wasnt using the correct search words!