Leaving chickens for the first time

[achiekitty]

Hi there!
I have six three week old Golden Laced Wyndottes. That might go down to five as we suspect one is a rooster and will have to be re-homed.
I have bought an Eglu coop and run (I am aware off all the controversy, yet it was the best choice for us). The first time we will leave the chickens is at the end of June for two nights . I have not gotten the automatic door for fear it would malfunction while we are gone. So, my question is- can I leave them knowing the door will be open at night? (I don’t have a chicken sitter)
I plan on putting hardware cloth around the run as I think the only serious predator we could possibly have would be raccoons or hawks. I’ve never seen them but based on being in the PNW, in an urban area that’s our top risk I think. I don’t think an attack will happen because I’ve never seen raccoons or hawks before, but better safe that sorry. Any tips for being able to leave them safely?

I would use 1/4” hardware cloth, including the roof. You may be able to get away with 1/2” for the roof, but why take chances. Good luck and have a great 2 nights away. That is very rare for us since the chickens.

 

[Blacka11]

Thank you!

 

[Bcal]

I have an Eglu. What is the controversy?

 

[Blacka11]

I have an Eglu. What is the controversy?

Some people take great issues with the cost, space, and safety of the eglu.

 

[Bcal]

What safety issues are there?

Some people take great issues with the cost, space, and safety of the eglu.

 

[Blacka11]

What safety issues are there?

There’s a couple threads about eglu safety on here. I’d rather not get into it.

 

[Bcal]

I understand. My chicks are 7 weeks old, and will be moving into their eglu very soon. I will look for the comments. Thank you.

 

[Blacka11]

No problem. I personally am loving my eglu and run. I did reinforce the run with hardware cloth .