Pop door open 24/7.

[Bear1978]

So I’ve searched and read through the forums here about leaving the coop pop door open 24/7 (dependent on weather and security). So I know that there are a variety opinions about this and it’s mostly based on personal preference and the person’s set up. BUT, with all that being said I’d like to post some pics of my set up and get the more experienced chicken owners opinions on whether or not they think my run and coop are indeed secure enough to keep the pop door open 24/7, at least during the warmer months of the year. Yes, I’m aware that at anytime anything can happen. But I’d like to get an overall consensus given my situation. I have 6 pullets. 12x12 covered run. HWC on everything as well as a anti dig skirt. Here’s the pics. I have seen coons, possums, coyotes, foxes, stray dogs and cats, hawks; around my house. Trapped and disposed of a possum and coon, but The coon was before the chicks were outside. Please chime in! Thank you!

FYI, I am tagging a few members that I know are experienced chicken herders, so if I missed someone I do apologize! No offense meant!

@aart
@Ridgerunner
@Kiki
@ChickenCanoe
@DobieLover
@Overo Mare
@MGG
@FortCluck
@rosemarythyme
@Compost King
@drumstick diva

 

[Bear1978]

I should add ANYONE who has experience with keeping the pop door open like this or not keeping it open for certain reasons feel free to chime in! And NO ONE will be held accountable for any advice given if I decide to keep the door open and something should happen! I just would like some experienced input!

 

[sourland]

Looks like a well done /secure set up to me. The only things I see possibly breeching that are a bear or a determined pack of very large dogs. The only thing you might add is hot wire.

 

[WallyBirdie]

So I’ve searched and read through the forums here about leaving the coop pop door open 24/7 (dependent on weather and security). So I know that there are a variety opinions about this and it’s mostly based on personal preference and the person’s set up. BUT, with all that being said I’d like to post some pics of my set up and get the more experienced chicken owners opinions on whether or not they think my run and coop are indeed secure enough to keep the pop door open 24/7, at least during the warmer months of the year. Yes, I’m aware that at anytime anything can happen. But I’d like to get an overall consensus given my situation. I have 6 pullets. 12x12 covered run. HWC on everything as well as a anti dig skirt. Here’s the pics. I have seen coons, possums, coyotes, foxes, stray dogs and cats, hawks; around my house. Trapped and disposed of a possum and coon, but The coon was before the chicks were outside. Please chime in! Thank you!

FYI, I am tagging a few members that I know are experienced chicken herders, so if I missed someone I do apologize! No offense meant!

@aart
@Ridgerunner
@Kiki
@ChickenCanoe
@DobieLover
@Overo Mare
@MGG
@FortCluck
@rosemarythyme
@Compost King
@drumstick diva

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If predators and weather aren't an issue, I don't see the harm. This is a very nice setup!

 

[Bear1978]

Thanks y’all! Yeah. IF a bear decided to have a go at the chicken, not much I could do at that point. But there are bears around here but where we live there’s not many that travel through this part of the area due it being a neighborhood with large lots and a busy highway near by. As far as dogs go, occasionally we have a couple that get out. But they haven’t messed with them. YET. I don’t have a near by electrical outlet to do an electric fence so it would have to be battery powered?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I could not see real good detail on the apron at the corners. It looks like you overlapped it so it should be good.

It looks like the bottom of your run door in the photo just below the lock. Looks good. Run doors can be weak points. If the top looks like the bottom you are OK.

Best I can tell a raccoon cannot climb on top of your coop and get down into the run from there. That's a weak point in mine and why I don't consider my run predator proof.

I don't see any problems, I think you are as good to go as you can get.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I agree, your coop looks very secure.

 

[Bear1978]

I could not see real good detail on the apron at the corners. It looks like you overlapped it so it should be good.

It looks like the bottom of your run door in the photo just below the lock. Looks good. Run doors can be weak points. If the top looks like the bottom you are OK.

Best I can tell a raccoon cannot climb on top of your coop and get down into the run from there. That's a weak point in mine and why I don't consider my run predator proof.

I don't see any problems, I think you are as good to go as you can get.

Thanks! Yessir the run door only has about an 1/8-1/4in gap between all the edges and the frame. It has heavy duty hinges and the HWC is secured as the rest of it is; with screws and washers. And the bottom has a block of wood on the inside of the door frame to keep anything from pushing in.
The coop roof is corigated tin just like the tin roof. All soffits are secured with 1/4in HWC as well as the interior windows. The exterior coop window as 1/2in 19ga HWC and secured in the like manner. I was pretty OCD when building it and did my best to think like a predator lol

 

[Bear1978]

I agree, your coop looks very secure.

Thanks!!

 

[Bear1978]

No way to know for sure until something tries to get in!