Staying out past dusk

[KatieRice]

I am heading out tonight, leaving around 6. I won't be home until after the sun goes down (around 830/9). Wondering if I should bring the chickens in before I go or after I get home.

 

[Elky]

Put them in before you leave.

 

[aart]

Depends on what kind of run you have and how predator proof it is.
If you free range there's a much bigger risk.

 

[KatieRice]

We ended up staying in. Our coop and run were just built this past weekend so we're still working to predator proof, so good idea on letting them in before we left.

 

[Mrs. K]

There is no doubt about it, with the darkness predators come out. I have lost a lot of hens, locking them up at 10:00!

Currently, I have a fort knox, totally enclosed run coop. So I can get them in the run, lock up, and they go to coop when they are ready. They get up and come outside when they are ready. Somedays I do let them out to free range, but I am picky about which days it is, and the enclosed set up is big enough to keep them happy if not free- ranging.

Works way better for my schedule. Works way better for reducing my losses.

Mrs K