What's your preference?

[Kataloo]

I am wrapping up the construction of the hen house. I have to put on the human door to the run. It seems like when I was studying the construction, there were some who said they would have the door open out instead of in. But I'm not sure if I have that backwards. Is it in and not out?

Does anyone have a preference?

I know it's probably not a big deal, but why not do it the best way possible at this point. Does anyone have Dutch doors? Where the top and bottom open separately. Do you like this?

 

[MrSelf Destruct]

I am wrapping up the construction of the hen house. I have to put on the human door to the run. It seems like when I was studying the construction, there were some who said they would have the door open out instead of in. But I'm not sure if I have that backwards. Is it in and not out?

Does anyone have a preference?

I know it's probably not a big deal, but why not do it the best way possible at this point. Does anyone have Dutch doors? Where the top and bottom open separately. Do you like this?

I have mine opening out. Gives more room in the run and I don't have to worry about knocking my chickens when they come to the door to see me if I'm coming in. However you make it, make sure you have it framed well as the door is often one of the weakest points to a run. Mine is framed at the top and bottom. Under the bottom part of the frame, I have hardware cloth dug down into the earth so nothing will be able to get through by digging.

 

[lularat]

Mine opens out. Glad it does because all my chickens run to the door when they hear me.

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

Mine opens out as well.

 

[Blooie]

Same here, mine opens out..sometimes when I open the door they almost tumble out - would hate to open the door and clobber one of them!

 

[vehve]

Out, to save space. And I regret not putting in a dutch door. Now, every time I throw leftovers for the chickens they try to escape.

 

[aart]

Out, because of snow.....1 foot of snow inside the run would make it hard to shovel out to open the door.
I also put screen door type extension springs on the doors so they shut automatically and don't get left open by accident.

I have dutch doors on both runs and coops, they can be handy but cost more in hinges and latches.
Check out My Coop page for pics.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Out for sure.
My run opens out and my coop has an anti escape wall so I can step in and close the outside door before opening to the hens. It opens in, and they are always getting pushed so I can enter.
God forbid one was sick and leaning on the door I would have to open in order to try and help. She would be squished.

 

[Kataloo]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I will go with out and dutch doors. Don't you love BYC for help with making the best decisions!!!

 

[Kataloo]

Out, because of snow.....1 foot of snow inside the run would make it hard to shovel out to open the door.
I also put screen door type extension springs on the doors so they shut automatically and don't get left open by accident.

I have dutch doors on both runs and coops, they can be handy but cost more in hinges and latches.
Check out My Coop page for pics.

Wow, you have such a nice coop. Lots of ideas. Thanks!