Worried and Wondering!

[kwallace19]

Does my mother in law need a coop?
I recently moved down here, and she doesn't have one. They just spend the night in the tent barn on some raised boards, or on the ground with the goats.
My husband said its fine. We are in Pierce County, WA
Should I talk to her about building one? Or are they fine?

 

[danielkbrantley]

How long has she had the chickens and has she lost them in the past? If she's had them a long time with no problems, I'd suspect all is well as it is. Obviously, building a more secure coop would give added protection, but there may be no need. My grandmother had chickens for many, many years, and they just roosted in the trees. She lived in Oregon at the time.

 

[kwallace19]

How long has she had the chickens and has she lost them in the past? If she's had them a long time with no problems, I'd suspect all is well as it is. Obviously, building a more secure coop would give added protection, but there may be no need. My grandmother had chickens for many, many years, and they just roosted in the trees. She lived in Oregon at the time.

She's had them for a little over a year now. But they had a coop in eastern WA,before they moved back here, but she's had chickens here before. They've lost two since September, but our German Shepherd now keeps them away

 

[danielkbrantley]

She's had them for a little over a year now. But they had a coop in eastern WA,before they moved back here, but she's had chickens here before. They've lost two since September, but our German Shepherd now keeps them away

I'd be interested in other opinions, but I say if the Shepherd is taking care of business, no need for a coop as long as the girls seem comfy and not stressed and are laying well.

 

[Folly's place]

I think she's been very lucky so far, but bad things will happen as time goes on. Her dog has to sleep sometime, so those birds aren't being guarded 24/7, and will have disasters. Mary