Your not sick of me yet, give me time!

[imnukensc]

My run is attached to the coop. I leave my pop door open 24/7, but if I did want to open it every morning and close it every night, I would get an automatic door.

 

[TattooedChicks]

Welcome to BYC!

I lost too many birds to predators last year to leave that door open while I sleep. It’s just part of the rountine now to do lock ups and wake ups. In the future I hope to ad an automatic door for everyone’s convenience as it’s hard for my chicken sitters to keep the same habits I do.

 

[MrsMistyReal]

 

[AmazingRachel]

Hello from a newbie. I'm so new that at this point I have zero chickens. My title on this thread relates to the fact that I have LOTS of questions.

I'm retired and have been kicking around raising some chickens for the eggs and hopeing to get a docile breed that my grandkids can safely be around. I've been studying various coop designs on Internet and this forum and have a good idea of what I'll build, starting today.

Wife and I enjoy volunteering at local State Parks, Rv travel and our seven grandkids! Our chicken ranch is bordered by one of our sons cattle ranch so we'll trade off taking care of each other's kritters, I think he'll get the better part of that deal, but I help him a lot anyway.

My fist silly question, if I build a coop attached to a secure (from predators) run. Do I need to close the chickens up in the coop every night?

Yes, that's recommended because a) an open door can cause drafts on the roosting birds and b) a run isn't always as secure as you think, especially at night when you can't see if anything is trying to dig under.

Also, in terms of friendly chicken breeds:
-Silkies
-Buff Opingtons
-Barred Plymouth Rocks
-Black Stars (friendly, smart, and an amazing egg layer)

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hello from a newbie. I'm so new that at this point I have zero chickens. My title on this thread relates to the fact that I have LOTS of questions.

I'm retired and have been kicking around raising some chickens for the eggs and hopeing to get a docile breed that my grandkids can safely be around. I've been studying various coop designs on Internet and this forum and have a good idea of what I'll build, starting today.

Wife and I enjoy volunteering at local State Parks, Rv travel and our seven grandkids! Our chicken ranch is bordered by one of our sons cattle ranch so we'll trade off taking care of each other's kritters, I think he'll get the better part of that deal, but I help him a lot anyway.

My fist silly question, if I build a coop attached to a secure (from predators) run. Do I need to close the chickens up in the coop every night?

if you want the birds safe keeping them inside at night is advised but
Welcome to Backyard Chickens as you can tell we all have our opinions we are
not afraid to express

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Coopnrun Welcome!

I am late to the party but I will just add that we do not have a door on the elevated coop to close However, that is because we have a low predator risk here in Aus .. I am thinking that is because the predators are smarter than us and choose to live in a climate where they are not at risk of dying of heat stroke

Seriously now, yeah, it is all relative to the security of the attached run, predator risk and climate.

I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[N F C]

You've already received a lot of advice so I'll just say hello and it's nice to have you here!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[getaclue]

Glad you decided to join us. Some of the answer to your question depends on the time of year, and the weather. My coops, and runs are attached. I covered the entire enclosure with 2 x 4 welded wire. I have a pen skirt buried 2 ft. deep, but attached all the way around the perimeter, going 4 ft out. During the summer, I never close the coop doors, so they can go in, and out as they please. During the winter, there are times they need the protection from wind, rain, and cold, so I close them in. Use common sense.