Pullets and cockerel going into the coop before the automatic door closes

[dae006]

This is more of a comment, with maybe a question or two. This is the first week in the new coop and run. It amazes me how they instinctively enter the coop at ~sunset. I have my automatic coop door set to close 15 minutes after sunset and so far, all 8 have slowly gone into the coop before it shuts, but I check them every night.

Is it common that for chickens to not go into the coop before the door closes and possibly have to stay out in the run over night? The run is predator proof, so they should be safe, but will this possibly occur once in a while?

BTW, I now keep all water and food in the run, and nothing in the coop. Is that acceptable?

 

[Yardmom]

Chickens have a instinct to roost before it is dark. Do things happen that cause a bird not to go to roost? Sure any thing can happen when live beings are involved, but it would not be normal.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I have my automatic coop door set to close 15 minutes after sunset

If you don't have serious predator concerns, you might want to give them a slightly longer grace period. Mine will occasionally want to stay up late, or slowly trickle into the coop. I have it closing at 9 right now. That also gives the coop a chance to vent off more heat from the day. But again, it depends on what you have for predators and if you coop is inside a secure run, etc.

BTW, I now keep all water and food in the run, and nothing in the coop. Is that acceptable?

Yes, this is exactly how you want to do it. They don't need to eat or drink at night.

 

[SamLockwood]

This is more of a comment, with maybe a question or two. This is the first week in the new coop and run. It amazes me how they instinctively enter the coop at ~sunset. I have my automatic coop door set to close 15 minutes after sunset and so far, all 8 have slowly gone into the coop before it shuts, but I check them every night.

Is it common that for chickens to not go into the coop before the door closes and possibly have to stay out in the run over night? The run is predator proof, so they should be safe, but will this possibly occur once in a while?

BTW, I now keep all water and food in the run, and nothing in the coop. Is that acceptable?

I don't use an automatic door, but usually they have a more or less set "time" they'll start getting ready to roost. I think they go by the angle of the sun and the overall light level. The chickens tend to start getting ready about an hour and a hallf before sunset, and my guinea fowl tend to be more "down to the wire" and some will wander or stand guard in front of the run.

My flock free-ranges, and especially in summer most like to sleep in the run (which also has roosting bars) due to the heat.


If you've got an automatic door that opens at dawn they should be fine. Quite a few people get by with only having a couple of feedings a day rather than a constant food & water supply. I've observed that while my flock is awake and milling about on the roosting bars at the crack of dawn they tend to wait until it's much brighter before they hop off the roosts and start looking for food or water.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I've observed that while my flock is awake and milling about on the roosting bars at the crack of dawn they tend to wait until it's much brighter before they hop off the roosts and start looking for food or water.

Thanks for posting this. I've observed my new flock acting this way (versus the last flock that would run to the feeders the second the door opened at dawn). Was wondering if anyone else had birds that preferred a relaxed morning!

 

[wrathsfarm]

This is more of a comment, with maybe a question or two. This is the first week in the new coop and run. It amazes me how they instinctively enter the coop at ~sunset. I have my automatic coop door set to close 15 minutes after sunset and so far, all 8 have slowly gone into the coop before it shuts, but I check them every night.

Is it common that for chickens to not go into the coop before the door closes and possibly have to stay out in the run over night? The run is predator proof, so they should be safe, but will this possibly occur once in a while?

BTW, I now keep all water and food in the run, and nothing in the coop. Is that acceptable?

Until the diggers show up....sure. By that I mean specifically Rats. I don't leave any food out. I'd rather it be in the coop, myself, but my coops are big, and in a barn with a concrete floor. Nothing digs in.
Any feed I have outside, I normally pick up slightly early and the stragglers will clean it up before going in. If a feeder gets spilled I remove feeder til it gets mostly cleaned. Having tote lids under the feeders helps here.

Just a proactive something to think about. Mice, rats and everybody else will find that feed left out eventually and try to get to it.