Our run is going to be completely enclosed

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I would close it at night to

1. Protect from predators JUST in case they got in the run.
2. Keep critters out of their food.
3. Block drafts.
4. Protect from cold!


I always close mine at night.

 

[jeffery57]

Quote:
I'm just now building my enclosed run. I am going to use welded wire on the top as well as the sides. I intend to leave the door open to the run all the time. but if I have problems with predators then I will close it at night.

 

[fifelakelooper]

No Papchaz...we did not overlap on that pen. We did have it tight to the wood...still amazes me they got in. With it overlapped and tied...sounds safe but I read on BYC that some coons actually pulled latches off...hinges, etc. I knew that hook and eyes weren't secure but was shocked about latches being yanked off.

 

[wannabchick]

I would too.. still close it up..

those wild animals.. predators are really really really smart.. and well... its your call, but for me.. I close everything up

xooxo

 

[PapaChaz]

Quote:
wow at a coon pulling a hinge off! I knew the hook and eye type wasn't gonna be secure either, i used barrel bolts, and snaps with solid circle eye bolts.

love your sig too btw

 

[linben]

My coop is designed with coop door open to the run which is all hardware cloth. I still close the run at night because they run around the yard during the day. I keep the food and water in the run. I live in the city so I don't have as many predator problems but it is a gamble.

 

[Spudd dud]

I close mine up every night. I had problems before when I left the windows open (no fencing in them at the time), but ever since installing the fencing in the windows I've not had an issue. I don't have a top on my run (too expensive with the size run I have) and there hasn't been any death from above, I do have alot of oaks covering the run though too. Make sure too that you have a decent coop door too, mines about 15-20 lbs and nothings opened it yet.

Side note too, if you want there are plenty of people on here that have either bought or made a automatic coop door. Might be worth while.

 

[Momagain1]

this is going to be 1/2 inch by 1 inch hardware cloth; so very small openings...

the top will be tied together yes...
we are also going to use some tuftex on part of the roof for some weather protection during rain/snow etc...

I just know that I WONT b the type of person who feels she has to lock her chickens up at night by going out into the run and closing the door..latching it..
because I AM NOT the type of person who will go out at 7 am to let them out..I just wont..and i know it..

so that is why partially we are making it completely enclosed, sides, tops and skirted hardware cloth...