troyca Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troyca Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 You Are right that is what I want to hear. Sounds a good plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Not what you want to hear I close mine each night. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I bring in the food each night but not thought about bringing in the water too. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karlotta Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I don't fancy having rats/mice pee in it! That way I don't forget to change the water either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 Closed here too, I like to think they are all toasty at night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I have this one from Flyte so Fancy.... http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Poultry_Trap_Drinker_Plastic_.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 Thanks, I'm going to order replacement parts from there & start again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickweed Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted October 24, 2009 Share Posted October 24, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
