Opening the coop at dawn??

[Gabtods]

How crucial is it that we open the coop for the chicks right at dawn? Their food and water are both in the run (not in their coop), and have seemed fine fine the past few weeks when we let them out at 6-7 instead of 5, but wondering if there are any unknown consequences that I’m not thinking of. When I let them out in the morning they are quiet still, but not on their roost anymore. Chicks are 8 weeks, and growing well, but any feedback would be appreciated!!

 

[ShrekDawg]

I think they should be fine

 

[BigBlueHen53]

We let ours out at about 6:30, sometimes even 7 and they let us live! My only concern would be, how hot is it where you are at that time of day? If their coop is very hot at night, it might be a good idea to provide water as early as dawn to be sure they aren't dehydrated.

 

[Neggative]

you ever considered a atoumatic chicken door.... then they can come out at sunup without out you having to twitch....

 

[rosemarythyme]

We let ours out at about 6:30, sometimes even 7 and they let us live! My only concern would be, how hot is it where you are at that time of day? If their coop is very hot at night, it might be a good idea to provide water as early as dawn to be sure they aren't dehydrated.

x2. Main concern with keeping them inside is heat, so if it's not overly hot inside the coop right now, they can stay in safely without water until you're up to let them out. An auto door is another possibility, as noted above.

As reference, I don't wake up until 8:30 or so, and don't get out to the chickens until around 9. My auto door is set for 7:45.

 

[Gabtods]

We let ours out at about 6:30, sometimes even 7 and they let us live! My only concern would be, how hot is it where you are at that time of day? If their coop is very hot at night, it might be a good idea to provide water as early as dawn to be sure they aren't dehydrated.

Good to know! We’re in the PNW so it’s still in the 50s in the morning... heat is definitely not a concern

 

[rosemarythyme]

Good to know! We’re in the PNW so it’s still in the 50s in the morning... heat is definitely not a concern

Oh you're fine then. Just let them out when you're awake.

 

[Gabtods]

you ever considered a atoumatic chicken door.... then they can come out at sunup without out you having to twitch....

We’re considering it... it’s one of the reasons I ask. I’ve heard some horror stories so I’m still on the fence. In theory their run is totally secure so I could leave the coop door open all night by I’m paranoid something will get them or they’ll get cold or whatever... so I still shut them in every night and out every morning. Maybe it’s like kids and over time I’ll be less paranoid

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Good to know! We’re in the PNW so it’s still in the 50s in the morning... heat is definitely not a concern

Excellent, then no worries. Your only concern then is the number of daylight hours you are providing for your layers. I believe they will be most productive if they get about 14 hours of daylight.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

We’re considering it... it’s one of the reasons I ask. I’ve heard some horror stories so I’m still on the fence. In theory their run is totally secure so I could leave the coop door open all night by I’m paranoid something will get them or they’ll get cold or whatever... so I still shut them in every night and out every morning. Maybe it’s like kids and over time I’ll be less paranoid

An automatic door opens at dawn to let them out, and closes at dark after they've gone to roost. I believe you can set the timer to open and shut at the times you want. But it closes them in securely at night.