Locking hens in overnight

[theoldchick]

You can always get an automatic door opener. My hubby purchased one despite me not having problems getting up a dawn and opening the door. While I do miss letting the hens out, the door comes in handy for when we leave on vacation and the hired sitter comes only once a day.

Post a photo of your set-up and maybe we can give more thorough suggestions. Chicken wire is not predator proof, as raccoons and oppossums have no problem chewing through it. Hardware cloth is the best as not only does it keep the four-legged varmits out, it also keeps snakes out.

 

[whittychick]

Yes that's what I do too! My coop is covered with a "fishing" type netting and the chicken wire is buried down 2-3 feet. But I think you should be ok! Good luck!

 

[calgib]

Sorry I should have said, I live in Scotland. We go to the zoo to see possums, skunks etc!

 

[buttercup95]

haha oh my god well what predators do you have over there?

 

[calgib]

Foxes, domestic cats and birds. I think I will just keep locking them in until i get an automatic door opener, the run is secure but its better to be on the safe side. Plus, I do like opening them up in the morning, its quite theraputic!

 

[happyhens1972]

The other option is an automatic pophole....I use them and wouldn't be without them. Mine are set on a light timer so they drop at dusk and open at dawn. They are not cheap....in the UK, about £100 but I never need to worry about the girls being shut away if I'm not there or have to brave awful weather to trapse down to lock them away. They are, however, maybe not going to be effective against a raccoon....a clever creature with HANDS to lift the flap rather than my worry being just the fox.

 

[buttercup95]

Foxes, domestic cats and birds. I think I will just keep locking them in until i get an automatic door opener, the run is secure but its better to be on the safe side. Plus, I do like opening them up in the morning, its quite theraputic!

lol All right. That's true I don't lock my birds up except in the winter and I always feel a sense of satisfactory when they trot out the door.