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

[troyca]

So how important is it to open and close the door every night? Some folk seem to do it religiously others don't bother. My hens will be in a Foxproof[hopefully] WIR. I had hoped I wouldn't have to supervise their in and out. What are the forum thoughts

[Sheilaz]

Well, here's what you want to hear, although I know others feel differently;

 

My hens have been semi self sufficient for 17 months in a Cube within Fort Knox, a definitely foxproof WIRun.

I leave the door open all year round with perhaps one week a year in minus temps when, for my satisfaction not theirs, I pull it nearly shut.

 

However, the run is in a semi sheltered position in a corner of the garden in the S.East, and I see you're in Bournemouth which will be milder too, whereas I wouldn't suggest it in a colder, exposed location.

 

They have a large, metal feeder so food is always available to them but not to rats. I have 2 Superglugs attached to the run fence, water replaced daily, and use a 3rd container in a heatwave in case I'm stuck at work, checking for ice before work in the winter.

 

Although I love to see my hens daily, it is a very flexible arrangement. All year round, they can get up for the day and go to bed independently. It suits me very well not to be tied to particular times, and also for hensitters, as long as they're cared for, it doesn't matter about specific timing.

 

It works for me. Good luck!

[troyca]

You Are right that is what I want to hear. Sounds a good plan.

[Purplemaniacs]

Not what you want to hear I close mine each night.

 

Chrissie

[karlotta]

I close mine each night too. It only takes a couple of minutes and I'm out there anywhere doing feeders and water as I don't like to leave food/water out overnight in case it attracts vermin!

[Purplemaniacs]

I bring in the food each night but not thought about bringing in the water too.

 

Chrissie

[karlotta]

I don't fancy having rats/mice pee in it! That way I don't forget to change the water either!

[chelsea]

Closed here too, I like to think they are all toasty at night

[chick wiggle]

I leave the cube door half open, does that help however, I do have 11 girls in there! I worry they might get too hot

[Lewis]

I always try to shut ours, just so I know they're warm and it means I have to go up (or dad ) and see them in the morning and check they're ok, but we have left it open a few times if we're out.

[Egluntyne]

I live oop north, and never close the cube door. It is in a WIR. Only very occasionally do I ever close an Eglu door.

 

I bring the food in every night.

[Plum]

Opposite, I close the door each night and leave food and water out. I have found the odd slug on top of the grub though and the girls won't touch them

[Space Chick]

I leave the food and water out, but then I do have a 30L tripod drinker and a 20kg treadle feeder I also leave the cube door open, but I do have a WIR

[Sheilaz]

I leave the food and water out, but then I do have a 30L tripod drinker and a 20kg treadle feeder I also leave the cube door open, but I do have a WIR

 

Which drinker do you have Debs, can you post a link? I bought one once but it never worked reliably. I had a look again the other day to see if I could give it another try & it had perished anyway. Think I had a dud to begin with, but didn't realise early on.

Interested to find a good one.

[Space Chick]

I have this one from Flyte so Fancy....

 

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Poultry_Trap_Drinker_Plastic_.html

[Sheilaz]

Thanks, I'm going to order replacement parts from there & start again!

[chickweed]

I rarely close the Eglu door, maybe on bonfire night and the coldest of winter nights. By not shutting the door means the chickens can get up as early or late as they want. This also makes things easier for chicken sitters who may not live next door.

 

My Eglu and run are on slabs so not even rats can burrow their way in and contaminate the food and water which I also leave out.

 

One night last winter my chickens were accidently shut out of their Eglu and the temperature went down to -5 degrees. They were covered in frost but absolutely fine.

[Chook n Boo Mum]

 

One night last winter my chickens were accidently shut out of their Eglu and the temperature went down to -5 degrees. They were covered in frost but absolutely fine.

 

 

Ooops

 

Sha x