[rickyd]

We have three 12week old chickens. We shut them up each night in their house each night. The advice we were given when we bought them was to leave their drinker in the run as they can survive OK in their house without the water for the night and it will only distract them from roosting. Good or bad advice? Secondly, we off for our holiday soon and the neighbour has agreed to help us look after them. Is it strictly necessary to have him come over each night to shut them in their house? Apart from the obvious threat from Mr Fox (the run lies on the grass and has no wire base), would the hens be happy in their house with the door open or is any draught going to cause a problem? Can anyone help.

[Kate and her Ducks]

Don't risk it with Mr Fox. I've made that mistake.

[Foxy]

Firstly, they dont need the drinker in the coop itself, you run the risk of getting damp bedding not a good idea. Personally unless I know that the run is 100% fox proof I would close every night. The aftermath of a fox attack I wouldn't wish on anyone.

and welcome to the forum!

[riversidemale]

In addition to tnhe advice about Mr FOX you need to keep the house shut to keep any wet weather out, you don't want wet bedding in the nest boxes if possible. Also keeping the wind and rain out gives the chickens somewhere to go that is dry and warm.