Holiday

[kitty]

Hi all, I'm off on holiday in a couple of weeks and my daughter will be looking after my 4 chooks.
I normally get up at about 6.30 a.m. and let them out immediately and when it gets to dusk / dark lock them up.
They have free range in the garden at the rear of the house which is completely enclosed by stone walls, so foxes / dogs etc. are not a problem and neither are they able to escape.
My question is because I don't want to impose too much on my daughter, would it be o.k. to leave the coup door open all the time to save her getting up early in the morning to let them out and likewise to lock them up at night? The only problem I can think of is if we get any windy or stormy / wet weather.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Mooner]

hi Kitty - I don't always let mine out until 8-9 at times & they are fine. Similarly, they are locked up later than dusk if we are out. I would worry if they weren't locked up at all overnight because of the risk of foxes and rodents getting in. some people use automated/timed door closures but i don't have one! Would your neighbours share the load and do once a day, and your daughter the other? I'm not sure where you live. Our neighbours do ours and we do theirs when each are away.

 

[kitty]

Foxes definitely not a problem, not sure about rodents except I've never seen any. Neighbours are a none starter unfortunately.

 

[Anne W]

I echo the same - would never leave the door open - you never know what might be waiting for you to do just that. Even though you think you are foxproof you cannot be absolutely sure - I have heard many people say that and have lost poultry. I too don't let mine out till between 8 and 9 in the morning. I have 4 hens that are 11 years old so it certainly hasn't hurt them.

 

[kitty]

Thanks for replies, I forgot to say however, that the run which is directly alongside of the coup is completely enclosed with wire mesh and has a separate gate leading out on to the yard where they free range so they would be able to go into there first thing in the morning until the gate is opened. Do you think this would be o.k. so they would at least have some freedom and movement and as their feeder & water is in there they would be able to eat and drink straight off. So the main thing I am really concerned about is the weather aspect.

 

[Anonymous]

As to the weather,I think your hens will be fine with their house door open.If we get a cooler spell,your daughter can add extra bedding for them.