[nic_28]

What time do you all open your coop doors in winter mornings when its still dark? I dont want a fox attack at 7am!  

This isnt a prob for me usually as  I work from home, just if I need to go out early.

thanks  

[min200]

If you work from home just wait until its light.  I have to let mine out when its dark but hopefully the run is fox proof!

[gracie]

If your run isn't fox proof and it would be impractical or too expensive to make it so could you make s smaller fox proof run within the existing one. My friend has done that, she isn't really pleased withThe size of it but feels its the lesser of two evils until she can let them out in daylight.
I am fortunate enough to have a totally fox proof run so I don't even close the coop door.

[joyfull]

I let mine out in the dark and shut them up again when it's dark - so really only get to see them at the weekends over winter  .
If you want to be sure they are only out during the daylight hours (although foxes will still come in broad daylight) then you could invest in an auto pophole opener or do a search on here and find details of Hillfooters home made opener 

[nic_28]

thankyou everyone! I shouldve said, my hens are free range, out of complete choice! they just dont do as theyre told haha. I might have a word with my neighbours (well I say neighbours, the next house is half a mile up the road!) and see if , on the odd occasion they'd let my girls out if I need to be anywhere before sunrise...bleugh, the thought.

Thankyou everyone. Isnt chicken keeping wonderful!? I love my girlies!

[Nicki85]

I try to open mine up when its light as they will still come out in the dark and then sit around looking all confused and sleepy still    We are purchasing a pop-hole opener for the Doodlehouse soon so hopefully that will make it easier when we all have to leave in the dark.