New to Chickens

[james3385]

Just finished a coop for our six new chickens. I basically got ideas from the internet and decided to "wing it" without any plans. I think it came together fairly nicely, although based on what I've read, I need to replace the chicken-wire with hardware cloth (We have raccoons, foxes, etc.) Question for people: If I predator-proof my coop with hardware cloth, to include an apron to prevent digging, is there any reason I cant just leave the door to the coop open so they can go in/out at will? Would love feedback.
Coop process:

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

-Nice!

You don't *have* to lock them up -that's a choice each chickenkeeper makes for themselves.

 

[mommacassey]

My plan (at the moment) is to do like you said--leave the coop open into the run and predator-proof the run. We'll see how well that works out, as I'm not nearly as skilled as you and I doubt I can wing something so cute!

 

[Wol1]

Beautiful. You wing it well. Leave the door open during the day and shut them in the coop at night. Lock and latch well and they should be safe. Looks kind of remote...or, close to the enemy.