The predator problem varies GREATLY depending on where you live. If your particular area doesn't have many that you know of, then it's overkill to build you coop like fort knox. We live outside of Winnipeg. I anticipated having raccoons, some kind of weasels, skunks, coyotes, and deer. Turns out the predator we see most often are wolves, and have never seen any other predator during the day, except for birds. The wolves, though, are strictly nocturnal....we only see then at dusk or dawn, when the girls are locked in tight. I did have one skunk try to get into the run, but that was also at night.
Bottom line, do what's right for your area. We leave our girls in their run all day if we're not home, without concern. I've taken reasonable steps to protect them, but if something horrible happens, of course I'll take additional steps, but in the end, they're just a few chickens, that are easily replaced. It's not like your protecting your children.
I do recognize, though, that in some parts of the US, you'll have nasty critters looking to take any opportunity to get at your birds, and you DO have to build your run like fort knox.
Bottom line, do what's right for your area. We leave our girls in their run all day if we're not home, without concern. I've taken reasonable steps to protect them, but if something horrible happens, of course I'll take additional steps, but in the end, they're just a few chickens, that are easily replaced. It's not like your protecting your children.
I do recognize, though, that in some parts of the US, you'll have nasty critters looking to take any opportunity to get at your birds, and you DO have to build your run like fort knox.
