Working full time

[donsgirl67]

Since I work full time, will I just open the door to the run in the morning so they can come out when they are ready? I get home before dark.

 

[Chickmagnet36]

That's what I do, but keep in mind, I have a secure, covered run for them.

 

[donsgirl67]

Yes, that's what we are building. So if it gets stormy, will they run to the coop? Chicken newb here. Not getting them until Spring.

 

[nab58]

yes, they will go inside the coop if the weather is not suitable....be it rain, snow, wind, heat.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

I have a secure run area so I never close the door to the coop. I do plan to close it during real cold or snow storms but have not closed it all summer. They are able to come and go as they please.

 

[donsgirl67]

Thank you all! I'm so glad I found this site I'm learning so much.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

An automatic coop door opener is what you need!

Yes they will come out by themselves if you open the door early. However, owls especially love to get inside coops and kill chickens in the early morning hours (and evenings)...hawks will do this as well.

If you are at work all day I would recommend keeping them in a secure covered run as the others said they do. Then let them out when you get home and/or on weekends. Dogs, raccoons, hawks, owls, rats/weasels...there are many predators around that seem to know when you aren't home.

 

[donsgirl67]

We are building a pretty large run so they have plenty of exercise room.