Light next to the coop

[jwinders12]

Alright, I want to preface this by saying I know that even if I think my run is predator proof that things can still happen and weasels, snakes, rats etc. etc. That being said I am going to Montana for a week, its OK to be jealous, and I live in the country with only 1 or 2 neighbors around and I don't know them well enough to ask them to come to the house twice a day for a week. However, I do have a security light close to the coop that comes on at night and lights up the area. Do you think this would deter predators if I leave the coop door open for the week?

 

[jtn42248]

Alright, I want to preface this by saying I know that even if I think my run is predator proof that things can still happen and weasels, snakes, rats etc. etc. That being said I am going to Montana for a week, its OK to be jealous, and I live in the country with only 1 or 2 neighbors around and I don't know them well enough to ask them to come to the house twice a day for a week. However, I do have a security light close to the coop that comes on at night and lights up the area. Do you think this would deter predators if I leave the coop door open for the week?

A security light MIGHT deter predators when you are home and the coop door is closed at night. The key words here are MIGHT and DETER. It will not prevent predators ONLY deter them. If you leave your coop door open and are gone for a week I am guessing that any predators that may have you in their sights will figure it all out within two days and your security light will end up being ambient lighting for a invitation to dinner.

We have a security light, flashing red antipredator lights, motion sensor lights, fencing, chain link, buried wire, concrete slab flooring, etc. etc. etc. and the most effective level of defense we have against predators is that one of us is home at all times with very few exceptions.

I don't have any really productive suggestions except to try to find someone who can at least check in daily to open and close the coop. Better would be if you had a friend that could stay at your place 24/7 while you were gone. If you are that rural I can almost guarantee that there are predators that know your routine by now.

 

[jwinders12]

I just didn't know if a security light would have any effect keeping them away but I would assume you are right that after they know there is nobody home that it will just be mood lighting. I am torn on what to do. I do have someone coming over every other day to water the garden and other small things, but I wouldn't want them cooped up the whole time except for the hour or 2 they will be there to water. But I guess that would probably be the safest option.

 

[The Lazy L]

... security light close to the coop that comes on at night and lights up the area. Do you think this would deter predators if I leave the coop door open for the week?

No I do not.

 

[jwinders12]

Well just to let everyone know my wife and I went on our week long vacation and I decided to just leave the coop open so they could go in and out of the enclosed run. My dad visited almost every day to check them. Nothing even attempted to get into the coop (At least no evidence was left). Came home to 4 healthy and happy chickens, what a relief.