New to Chickens!

[Julieerica]

Hi there,
I am new to this scene and am looking for info/ideas. I am hoping to get chickens in the next couple of months and I am wondering about their daily care.... I have a coop attached to a enclosed run. I am wondering if I need to put the chickens in their coop each evening? Will they go in on their own? Do I need to 'shut them in' at night and then let them out in the morning? Is it ok to have an open door where they can come and go on their own? Any help/experience is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Julie and welcome to BYC.

It really depends on how confident you are on how predator proof your set up is, and what range of potential critters you have. I never locked my birds in the coop (but the run was secure) but night time predators were not an issue. An automatic pop door is an option to consider

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - Find Your State Thread


Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[N F C]

If we knew your general location (even just state), tips would be easier to give. I've raised chickens in FL and now I have them in WY...big difference if you see what I mean.

Be sure to check out the Learning Center to help you get off on the right foot:
learning-center.11

Best wishes!

 

[Julieerica]

If we knew your general location (even just state), tips would be easier to give. I've raised chickens in FL and now I have them in WY...big difference if you see what I mean.

Be sure to check out the Learning Center to help you get off on the right foot:
learning-center.11

Best wishes!

I live in Newfoundland Canada

 

[Lazy Farmer]

They are creatures of habit. Once they get into the habit of seeking familiar shelter, they will return like clockwork. BUT the need to secure the shelter after dark is a must.

 

[MrsMistyReal]

Welcome aboard to BYC family gr8 people tons of information loads of fun enjoy shake your tail feathers

 

[Julieerica]

Hi Julie and welcome to BYC.

It really depends on how confident you are on how predator proof your set up is, and what range of potential critters you have. I never locked my birds in the coop (but the run was secure) but night Tim predators were not an issue. An automatic pop door is an option to consider

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - Find Your State Thread


Best wishes

Pork Pie

Ok thank you for the info!

 

[Plip]

Welcome Julie! Great to have you here at BYC!

I rarely shut my chickens in at night. We have predators around here, but since we got a dog, they tend stay away. If I see evidence of one, I may close the coop for a few nights.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. As others have said, they will return to their coop at night. Unless you have a guard dog and Fort Knox coop and pen, it is best to close the coop each night. Everything likes chicken.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I close my coop during the night and open it mornings. So for me it is chicken o'clock 2x daily. Welcome to BYC are you planning on raising them from chicks, or purchasing adults? They will need to consider the coop their home before they go u to roost there at night.
I would also suggest considering the Chantecler breed they were developed in Canada, there is one other Canadian breed but it doesn't ever stick in my mind. Here is some reading material to help you get really excited over your chicken project!