Is a coop that opens to a run with a roof secure at night so we can leave the door open?

[Jancan]

Do we need to lock up 8 week old chicks in coop if it is attached to a secure run? 12' x 8' run with hardware cloth and roof. The only small gaps at the roof line where corrugated panels aren't flush with the wooden frame. Our chicks definitely get that cooped up feeling in the morning before we open the door to the run LOL.

 

[Luv Ducks]

Do we need to lock up 8 week old chicks in coop if it is attached to a secure run? 12' x 8' run with hardware cloth and roof. The only small gaps at the roof line where corrugated panels aren't flush with the wooden frame. Our chicks definitely get that cooped up feeling in the morning before we open the door to the run LOL.

I would think it would depend on what type of predators you have. I use Nite Guard lights attached at eye level along the sides of my pen on all sides along with netting over the top. They have 6 foot chain link with netting over that to keep out wild birds. For the most part that has kept all of my birds safe. Our predators are Raccoons and hawks. A coon did one time climb a tree that used to abut next to the pen and get in and eat two ducklings that were peeping still. My mistake for putting them out too early. We cut the limbs off of the tree and now I keep the ducklings in until they are no longer peeping. I haven't had a problem since. Good luck with your decision.

 

[RoyalChick]

Do we need to lock up 8 week old chicks in coop if it is attached to a secure run? 12' x 8' run with hardware cloth and roof. The only small gaps at the roof line where corrugated panels aren't flush with the wooden frame. Our chicks definitely get that cooped up feeling in the morning before we open the door to the run LOL.

Depends how big the gaps are.
Mine have a secure coop+run complex and I don’t close the door to the run. But I don’t have gaps even a small predator (weasel, snake) could get through.