To Door, Or Not To Door, That is the Question???

[nancypo]

I can't decide if I should put a fulltime, closeable door at the top of my ladder going into the coop into the nesting area? The coop itself is secure, and I can see where it would be a good idea when it's cold out and I haven't added straw yet, since the girls are going out this weekend. But when it's mild? And I saw someone had a door of clear, heavy vinyl cut into strips (like you buy at a fabric store on rolls) as a possible idea. That way there's light coming in and it sort of seals it itself. Ideas???

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Edited b/c I think I answered a question you weren't asking, sorry! I vote no to the door idea. It'll help with ventillation to have it open.

 

[FarmerJamie]

My poor girls live in abject poverty compared to these gems. I guess they won't be able to show their faces in public due to the shame. Nice job!

 

[harveyhorses]

Wow very nice digs!

Mine are becoming outside chickens, (how fast they grow...) Tomorrow I will be putting the final touches on the coop, do they need a door on it if it is going to be in the mid 60s?
They are just so much fun!!

 

[PhilErvin]

I have a pop door in mine but I only used it when I introduced them to the coop and left them locked in for a few days to get them used to their new home. Otherwise I never close it.
If your coop is secure then I wouldn't bother adding a door.

 

[patandchickens]

If you are contemplating leaving the doorway open overnight, rather than closing a secure door, I would highly recommend browsing the "Predators and Pests" section of this forum first, to get a sense of how many people who THINK they have totally secure runs actually turn out NOT to have had <insert pile of bloody feathers>.

If you are ok with that extra risk, then sure, leave it open in mild weather, but make no mistake, no matter HOW your run is constructed, it IS an extra risk.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[peterlund]

How are your coops secure without closing up the girls at night? Is there tops on your runs?? I know the birds can handle most temperatures, as long as they are sheltered from heavy wind etc... But a raccoon...or other hungry critter... I would opt for a door.. My 2 eggs, err I mean cents.

 

[nancypo]

My coop is wood with hardware cloth on top of 4x4's all the way around, heavy latch on door, pretty secure from what I've read. The girls nesting area is in the upper right corner, with the cute vent

I live in an urban area. Even with an additional door, if something REALLY wanted in, I guess they could tear up the wood picket flooring. I may add some of the big river rock on the left around the base.

 

[nancypo]

And those curtains, wow! Dayglo!!!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
HEY, it's not "dayglo" it's a cheery red! And they match the window dressing.