Mine do that at night. They get about 2-3 hours. I just don’t want my birds laying all over the place. I open the run door and let them in. One escaped today, little bugger. I put a “nest” in the tractor, and will lure them in. All but two out of 9 are laying, and I have one rooster. I guess I’ll keep them cooped till afternoon. I so enjoyed the coffee/book club in the morning lol!
I haven't seen any foxes here yet and like @grayjay11o, I do pay attention and scan the woods and listen to the birds. I keep a pitchfork handy if the need arises.
If they don't go in the run voluntarily, I yell, "treats!" Then grab a handful of scratch. Chickens are food centric and even after filling their crops with bugs and grass for an hour they still want treats. They are perpetual 2 year-olds! If you want to try this, start with a small area first then increase the size as they get more accustomed to this routine.
My run is large enough but I do this to give my little flock a little extra. I'm retired and I have the time. And it's not crazy, it's actually very relaxing to sit under a shady tree and rest up after a day of gardening, housework and such and hang out with the makers of tasty eggs. I have one that jumps up in my lap and gives me a little snuggle everyday. It really changes your relationship with the little fluff balls.No idea how you guys don't go crazy.
I open the coop in the morning and shut it at night.
I go out if I hear alarm calls, no way I could babysit all day.
Nothing wrong with ya'll that do, im just amazed by ya.
