Why put my hens to bed

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I'm very new to keeping hens and I was wondering if i could ask you all for some advice. Is there any other reason for shutting up the hens at night, other than protecting them against foxes etc? I live in a town and our garden is fully enclosed by an 8 ft wall. I've never actually seen a fox in the town at all. Even though I've never seen a fox, is it likely that one could still get in?

It's not that I'm too lazy to put them to bed, but it's more that they're missing out on quite a bit of daylight at the moment as I don't let them out until about 8. Just wondering if I could let them come and go as they please.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

Chris
 
An 8ft wall does sound high, so you might be safe. I know foxes can climb trees so if there are climber on the wall? but whether they would bother, I am not sure.

I suppose the problem is that it is light very early at this time of year, and probably so quiet that foxes will be on the prowl. Sometimes with wildlife just because you don't see it doesn't mean its not there.

It might be a risk you are prepared to take :?

All the best
Sue
 
Too risky ! They will be around and this is a particularly bad time for losing stock.
 
Thanks Sue and Chuck,

I think I would agree that it's not worth the risk. Even though I've never seen a fox myself, they do have a reputation of being somewhat cunning and should probably give them a bit more respect.

You might have just saved their lives.

All the best,

Chris.
 
Yup... Caution is good. It's not just foxs but Rats,and any of the weezle family among others..... However. I run the risk sometimes. Perches keep them out of the way of ground crawlers and a high fence with a fox block behind the coop door does the big stuff.... I will loose stock to predation ... it's only a mater of time. :mrgreen:

I have seen others with better protection loose and those with less be lucky .... Pays your money and takes your chance. We're all the Gods playthings :-)07 :D

BTW..... Have a great Litha all...Today is the longest day !
 
Hi
I always put my hens to bed. my friend keeps his in a alotment and does not put them to bed he started with 16 chickens.. Now he only has 2 lol :| There is high fences but other preditors have got the chucks.
Hope this helps :D
 
My banties are on the allotment in a secure fox proof run. However the auto door on the coop, at the moment, shuts at 9.30pm and opens at 6.30am. This I think gives them maximum ventilation but adds the extra bit of security overnight. The run has a pvc/wire roof and 18" square stone slabs on the ground all round the outside. So far so good!!
 
I shut all mine up at night, although I am secure with high fences, quad beams etc.. it is always better to be safe than sorry
 
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