Ammonia smell in coop-first time owner

[hopetofinish]

Loved the thread on inspirational runs and have spent ages with hubby looking at the best design for us.

 

A question though. The cube situated on the outside of the WIR looks great and is very practical. I was intending to just leave the door open (as it would appear many people here do), as we would have a secure run and are going to put it on slabs. The other alternative is a wooden hutch with the automatic door opener, unless of course (not sure if this is poss), one could fit a wooden hatch that comes down in front of the cube. I would obviously still want the cube/run to be secure.

 

My question is, if you leave the cube door open are the chooks really noisy early in the morning, or do they get really noisy if you don't get down early enough to let them out?

 

Opinions greatly received

[Mercedes55]

I always close the door of my Eglu as it just feels safer to keep them locked in at night. I think we'll probably carry on doing that once we have a Cube and a WIR too. I do wonder if keeping the door open might wake them up earlier in the Summer months as obviously light will be getting in through the door. I also think that during the Winter they might get cold if the door was open. Mine only start to make any noticeable noise once they are actually out of their Eglu. I've only had my hens for a month mind you, so I'm sure someone with a lot more knowledge will be able to give you a better reply