first timer with 4 week old chicks

[yvette leaver]

Hello everyone!

I have a little mixed flock of future egg layers! They are sooo darn cute and fun it's ridiculous!

So, they are out of the brooder and into their awesome coop my husband built for them outside. My question is, why do we have to close the door at night to the coop? I live in So. CA. it was 85f today and gets down to mid 50's at night, the coop is completely enclosed and predator proof.... they love to stay out in the run from sunrise to sunset, then they go in the house...does the door need to be closed???

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice in advance!!

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[TwoCrows]

You don't have to close up the coop and run if you are POSITIVE it is predator proof. As long as they are safe, then there is no need. Now for those of us with brutal winters with snow and wind, then we need to close our coops. But if your weather is mild and no critters can get your babies at night, then you can leave it open!

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Congratulations on your new chicks! Most people close their coops at night as a safety precaution, especially since often the run is not as predator proof as the coop, and many predators are active at night. If your run is also 100% secure no reason not to leave it open. I do leave mine open, but don't have many predator problems. You might want to check out your state thread for neighbors! https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread

 

[yvette leaver]

Thanks so much! i appreciate the info. I know in a few more weeks it will be so hot here they probably won't even go inside the coop! My husband worked very hard to make sure it is predator proof so i'll see what happens over the next few nights...

 

[gander007]

 

[260906]

 

[ThomasMcD]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. If your pen is 100% + predator proof, it is not necessary to close up the coop. Understand that chicken wire is not predator proof.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]