I've only once walked into the backyard to wonder why the chickens were already out: because we'd forgotten to close the coop.
It's an awful feeling, I agree. It's hardest when you first get chickens, especially if it's not one person's job to close the coop. DBF and I now are in the habit of asking if the coop is closed, but there was a while when both of us were assuming the other had it taken care of.
I think it's easier to lock up the chickens in winter than summer. At least when we go out with friends or to dinner in the winter, it's after the coop has been closed up around 5. In the summer the girls don't roost until as late as 9:30-10. If we're visiting friends who are in another city, we might not get home until 11 or 12.
edited for spelling & to clarify a point
It's an awful feeling, I agree. It's hardest when you first get chickens, especially if it's not one person's job to close the coop. DBF and I now are in the habit of asking if the coop is closed, but there was a while when both of us were assuming the other had it taken care of.
I think it's easier to lock up the chickens in winter than summer. At least when we go out with friends or to dinner in the winter, it's after the coop has been closed up around 5. In the summer the girls don't roost until as late as 9:30-10. If we're visiting friends who are in another city, we might not get home until 11 or 12.
edited for spelling & to clarify a point
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