no chickens yet, just a lot of "dumb" questions....so I do apologize!!

[WoodlandWoman]

Even though we normally free range the chickens during the growing season, when we go away, we usually keep the chickens in the run.

The chickens go inside at night just fine. Keeping the run door closed keeps them in one place, so the person taking care of them can see what's going on and if they look fine. It also keeps them safe from any unexpected daytime predator problems that might pop up. Sometimes a hawk targets your flock, a new dog moves into the area, etc. You never know when one will go broody. Mine usually go broody in the coop, but some chickens choose a spot in the yard and nest there all night, where they might get killed. All in all, I just have a better time when I'm away, if I know where my chickens are and that they're safe.

 

[coonhoundmama87]

Maybe have a run so that when you are gone they can be kept in there but still go in and out as they please when you are home? Mine usually roost when the sun tells them to but I have a rooster who likes to linger and watch for his hens to get to their places. He tends to be the last in the yard. But practice makes perfect and if you watch your birds to learn their schedule you will know when to have the door open and close. If you start them in the run before free ranging that will help a lot too.