Hello! My name is Ericka and I live in Escondido, California. I joined this awesome website/forum because over the last 2 years we've considered raising backyard chickens for egg purposes (and we're bird lovers!). The only thing that's held us back is my work schedule. My husband works a normal 7-4 pm but I on the other hand work 7 pm-3:30 am. I get home around 4 am. My worry and hesitation comes from my work schedule. I do not wake up until around noon. There in-lies my problem. I can't find any information regarding chicken raising and weird work hours. Chickens/Hen's are early risers from what I've seen (like all birds). Would my schedule be an issue? What are your mornings like? Could the chickens stay in their coop until noon? We have a parrot but she's weird and she sleeps until I wake up (she is NOT a morning bird lol) I really would love to have chickens especially since we've turned our backyard into vegetable/flower garden. Our backyard is PLENTY large. Am I dreaming or can this be a reality? Thank you, Ericka
Hi Ericka, If your coop is plenty big enough, they would most likely be ok staying in the coop until noon (with food and water of course). Another option would be to install an automatic door from the coop into the run that would open earlier. Thanks for joining us!
Hi Ericka and - great to have you join us. NFC has given you some great advice, so I'll just say a big hello. CT
Could your husband let them out early (in a secure run) with feeder and water ? You could follow up when you awaken. This has to be a two person project with your varying shifts.
Oh my goodness! I didnt get any notifications for my post. Im so sorry. Thank you all for your responses. We ended up taking the dive and got 4 chicks whom are now 4-5 weeks old. We've done all our research and came to the conclusion that theyd be okay in the coop until 10-11am (I'd get up early to let them out). The concensus we got was that theyd be fine plus it would give them time to eat and lay in the morning with no interpretation. Hoping to get an automatic door down the line. For now Ill get up for them lol Thank you all!
