Will chickens use a dog door??

[Krissy12052]

My husband and brother are building a coop right now... I'm trying to figure out a way for them to come and go (the free range during the day) and keep the stupid rats, chipmunks and squirrels out. Will the chickens use a dog door? I mean, I'm sure I'll have to show them (shove them through the door.. lol) a few times, but eventually they'll use it right? I'm going to have a sheet of plywood that comes down to lock it up at night.

 

[canesisters]

I hope so, cause I have one that never got installed in the barn that I'm hoping to use in my coop.
Funny - I had COMPLETELY forgotten I even had the thing till I saw it this weekend.

 

[Moonkit]

I vaguely remember a thread about someone who had a hen and a rooster that started following their dogs into the house through the dog door. They eventually figured out that through the dog door was where the kitchen was.. which mean easy access to treats. After that, the person couldn't keep them out unless she blocked the door completely.

 

[Krissy12052]

I vaguely remember a thread about someone who had a hen and a rooster that started following their dogs into the house through the dog door. They eventually figured out that through the dog door was where the kitchen was.. which mean easy access to treats. After that, the person couldn't keep them out unless she blocked the door completely.

Ha ha ha!!

That's so funny! OK thanks!

 

[Leahs Mom]

How would a dog door keep out the other critters you mentioned? Seems like it would give them the same access?

 

[Krissy12052]

I guess I'm hoping they won't be as smart?? lol

 

[Jewellan]

How did the dog door work? I want to use it to keep the weather out but still give them access to the outside coop. Auto doors make me nervous. Right now I have nothing but an opened hole in the top of the coop.