New coop for newbie

[ColinB]

Indeed - this was the plan. He's already highly trained with all his stays, downs, leave etc etc and I'd already started the training of being with me watching chickens while he sat and waited quietly.

However; our chicken keeping neighbours came up to see the girls and they brought Ben, their 10 year old Golden Retriever with them. We let them loose in the back garden and they ran around and played for ages... and then Tufnell's brain went to mush and he got over-excited and made a dash for the coop - taking Ben with him. Chaos ensued. *sigh*

The girls have stayed in their coop nearly all day, with just the occasional foray out for food and water. I've put some water in the coop with them as it's a really hot day and the coop's in full sun. I hope they'll come out more in the evening. Should I be worried if they don't come out tomorrow? Should I boot them out and close the pop hole? (I would think not - probably best to let them sort it out in their own time.)

 

[Marigold]

Is it possible to move the coop into shade, or make some kind of screen to create shade for the coop? It will get very hot in there in the strong sun, especially if they're nervous about coming out, and hens really do need cool conditions. Temperatures down to minus 10 are no problem if they have dry sheltered conditions, because they're so well insulated, but heat stroke is very difficult for them and can even be fatal.
If they've been coming out for food and water, no need to put any in the coop, as you want them to be motivated to emerge and find shade and a bit of a breeze for themselves.

 

[dinosaw]

Your easiest and most effective option would be to go down the electric netting route, no more dog (or fox) worries.