Should we?

[flopsy]

Our coop is built inside an old chain link dog pen. The run is attached. Do we need to close the coop door each night?

 

[miss_jayne]

i would! there are all sorts of baddies that will get in/over/under etc.

protect your investment.

 

[speckledhen]

Yes, absolutely. Raccoons can easily climb your fence. You may think you don't have any, but trust me, you do.

 

[flopsy]

forgot to mention it has top on run and on coop and pen. but probably better safe than sorry, huh?

 

[rooster-red]

Quote:
Absolutely.

That way you won't have your run tested the hard way.

 

[Mahonri]

Protect your investment unless you are absolutely certain there are NO predators. We have coyotes here in AZ... even in the city... Our's get locked up.

 

[sweetcorn]

YES ! My mother in law had chickens for 2 years in chain link enclosure and had no problems, then the coons found her. Coons will reach through chain link ,too , and pop off a chickens head. She has lost 12 this year that way! Inside the coop at night or reinforce your fence with hardware cloth.

 

[bluey]

I echo sweetcorn's sentiments....a chainlink fence gives predators enough limited access to do tons of damage....

 

[Jenski]

I agree. I live in the 'burbs, and I would shudder to think what creeps around here at night along the greenway looking for a snack. We have a Fort Knox run, but I still lock the girls up in the coop every night just to be sure. It only takes once . . .

You might scroll through this forum and read all the sad stories beginning with "oh, we came home late and we found . . ."

Good luck!

 

[MagsC]

As so many have stated, attempt to keep them safe by keeping the door shut at night.