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

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[CatsandCrops]

We also have a fully secured run (HWC everywhere, plus buried 18 inches deep around the entire run) but we still close the door nightly. Its more about peace of mind for me; we have multiple large predators in our area so the "double protection" of a closed door makes things seem a bit better.

 

[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

View attachment 2280089View attachment 2280090View attachment 2280091View attachment 2280092View attachment 2280093View attachment 2280094View attachment 2280095View attachment 2280096View attachment 2280098View attachment 2280099View attachment 2280100View attachment 2280101View attachment 2280102View attachment 2280103View attachment 2280104View attachment 2280105

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

 

[Bear1978]

@Ridgerunner oh and yes, my apron is overlapped on the corners and fastened down with 12in U-shaped landscape spikes with them placed about 6-8in apart.

 

[Folly's place]

If bears are possible, add electric fencing, because a bear can tear through your coop too.
For big dogs, adding 2"x 4" woven wire around the lower 4' of the run will be added protection.
Here we don't yet have bears, so large dogs were the biggest critters we were concerned about. Our run has hardware cloth covered in that woven wire, stapled with fencing staples, and then 1"x 4" boards screwed in over the top. And repurposed home exterior doors.
Your coop and run look really nice!
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

It looks great! Wondering though, does the dig barrier need to buried? I only ask because my hubby and I have been struggling to dig down 4 inches to bury ours.

No you don't have to bury it, the easiest option in many cases is to place it flat on the ground and then pin it in place.

 

[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!

 

[HappyClucker7]

I agree, your coop looks very secure.