Keeping chickens in coop at night

[Erdin]

Hi folks..coop and run is amost done. Both are as predator proof as I can make them. So...is there any reason to keep the birds locked in the coop at night? can they come and go between the coop and the run as they please? Thanks...

 

[Stiggy]

letting them roam during the day would be good for them however roaming at night.... no. They will need to feel safe in their house so it is best locked up/ checked upon each night. at night they will not move in and out but anything else will

 

[happyhens1972]

As said already, your birds will not roam at night but predators do. If this is about the inconvenience of shutting them away each night, have you considered an automatic pophole opener? They aren't cheap but last for years and I absolutely swear by mine....no need to worry that I might forget tp put them to bed, freedom to go away for a weekend knowing they're safe, no need to go out when the weather is awful, just complete peace of mind.

 

[Mehjr10]

I lock mine up every night, DIY auto door, lets them out and locks them up.. All it take is one Crazy coon and they will wipe out a bunch of birds while they are sleeping.

 

[Going Quackers]

Most of my birds head into the coop near or at dusk, then i go around do a head count and lock them in, i don't trust pens overnight.