Has anyone tried using a cat flap or something similar on the pop hole door? My hens have a secure run attached to the coop and I wondered if they would use some sort of cat flap to go in and out. That way they can go in at night and out in the morning without anyone having to shut or open the door Has anyone tried this?
Cat Flap?
- Thread starter Anni D
- Start date
rick
Active member
Some people use an automatic pop hole door that opens in the morning at a set time to let them out. It is like a shutter that lifts up so it doesn't take up swinging space on either side. I'm almost certain that they wouldn't use a cat flap unless they were bold and knew there was cat food on the other side maybe! But if your not relying on the door for overnight security then personally I would take it off altogether or just leave it open. The roost box is plenty shelter from the wind and when I've measured the temperature in a box about the size of yours with 3 hens inside and the door open they have raised the temp from 0 to 7 degrees just by being in there.
They are actually fine roosting on a perch in an open sided run as long as there are good wind breaks so having the door open would be no problem at all as long as they are safe.
They are actually fine roosting on a perch in an open sided run as long as there are good wind breaks so having the door open would be no problem at all as long as they are safe.
I entirely agree with Rick. The only reason for ever shutting the pophole door is if you're unsure about the security of the run outside. If this is predator-proof, it's easier for the keeper and healthier for the birds to let them come and go as they please. Just make sure it faces away from prevailing winds and rain, so it stays dry inside. Closed coops can get hot and humid inside, especially if the hens go to roost with damp feathers, and this can lead to respiratory diseases.
