4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[KateP]

Now the weather is warmer and the longer days are here, I have been leaving the eglu door open all of the time so that the girls can get up as soon as it is light - otherwise I wouldn't open the door until about 7.00am. Also, when we go on holiday, the door will have to be left open really.

 

Is this a good idea or would it be best to close it for their safety?

 

Our garden has a high fence around and I thought we had blocked all of the small gaps but I did see a fox the other night. I never let them free range unless I am in the garden with them but are they totally safe in their run? It is secured with tent pegs as it's on slightly uneven ground.

 

I am also thinking of investing in a foxwatch.

Edited May 26, 2008 by Guest

[puffball]

personally i would risk it if they have an enclosed run and a pretty secure garden - if you have a foxwatch then thats even better.

 

it really depends on your risk assessment and whether you think it is worth the risk.

[daj198]

I don't close it as the eglu run is always shut to protect them from foxes and I can't get up at 5.30 to open the eglu.

 

I've tried to leave the door shut but not locked so that they can push on the door to let themselves out. This hasn't worked yet but I'll keep trying. I know it's worked with others...

[Egluntyne]

I always leave mine open.

 

There is always a slight risk, especially if you are aware of foxes in your area.

[*mummy_hen*]

although i know some people do do this, i just don't see the point in taking the risk. Even if they were safe from the fox attack itself, they may still get spooked or frightened or by other creatures and goings on in the night. The weather recently has also been eratic and i would hate to think if they were my chickens that they could get wet or chilly etc.

 

I don't mean to cause any offence but people leave doors open etc and then are quick to moan and wonder why their poor chooks get caught or injured from attempted attacks through runs etc.

 

these animals rely on our judgement for their safety so we should do all we can to protect them. As long as you let them out as soon as possible they will be fine and it really isn't worth the risk.

[Tara.F]

we always leave ours open (except in really cold weather) and we have loads of urban foxes

I figure they are as safe as they can be so long as they are in the run

[Abbey Road Girl]

Mr Fox can apparently leap or climb tall fences (some reportedly 8' high) and can also tunnel under a fence.

 

Some people have had hens inside an Eglu run attacked by a fox who was outside of it. But that is probably much more uncommon than fox attacks while hens are free ranging.

 

Only you can decide the level of risk you want to take. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[jills]

Apart from the first few days when I had them and the weather was really cold I have alays left the door open to the eglu cube. The run is secured with tent pegs and I don't see how they could come to any harm. We also have a well secured garden and I have never seen a fox near (I know that doesn't mean they're not around). It gets light so early at this time of year that they could well be wanting to get up before 5.00am along with all the other birds.

[KateP]

Thanks for all your replies.

 

I've tried to leave the door shut but not locked so that they can push on the door to let themselves out. This hasn't worked yet but I'll keep trying. I know it's worked with others...

 

Yes, I remember reading that some people do this. It sounds like a good idea - not sure if my two will get the hang of it but I think I will try this. It will make me feel better that the door is shut (especially after seeing the fox) but at least they will be able to get themselves up.

[Christian]

Start by closing the door a little each night, until eventually you can close it completely, leaving it unlocked but closed. It took mine about a week to learn to 'shoulder barge' it open

[Stevie]

I leave mine open all the time,but i have quite high fences so is pretty secure.I do however shut the run door when they go to roost at night.Its gotta be one of those things which only you can decide whats best.

[Tessa the Duchess]

I always closed the door when I just had an Eglu and run. Now I have a big run with the Eglu attached I leave the door slightly open. There is no way a fox could get into the run it is covered head to to toe in 16g weldmesh. Also have a Foxwatch. I find I sleep much better knowing I don't have to get up at sparrowcough

 

Tessa

[chelsea]

always shut our door in summer and winter - no matter what the weather.

 

We dont have foxes - but noisy chickens, im the boss and like to let my chickens know that by letting them out when I say so!!

 

I feel they are safer and i sleep better knowing they are safe too.

[Hen Watch]

Usually closed at night - same reason as Chelsea. Noisy chickens.

But open 24hrs - when I'm away on holiday.

 

I really, really loved the convenience of leaving door open last year, until two or three 4/5am alarm calls, noisy enough to wake the whole neighbourhood. After that, I just couldn't leave it open anymore. Shame. Just hope they behave themselves when I go on hols....

[xScrunchee]

One of the main reasons (other than the easy cleaning side of it) that I decided to get an Eglu was the fact that it is 'Fox proof' but it is only fox proof if it is closed so I choose to close mine every night-whatever the weather.

I also have a small padlock on the run door to prevent the two legged creatures ever bothering my girls

 

I have a walk in run which I am confident that foxes cannot get into but I always think-better safe than sorry

[*mummy_hen*]

I also have a small padlock on the run door to prevent the two legged creatures ever bothering my girls

 

 

Snap - we do too!!