[Ruby Red]

Whatever time of year mine are always let out into the run at 7. This is mainly because I have to run the household with army precision and they have to fit in. I also have to walk dogs ,sort 3 kids out for school and get myself to work for 9. When I finish work at 4 I let them out into the garden and as the nights get lighter they put themselves to bed later. They are quite used to this routine. Could you perhaps make it darker inside the coop by covering any windows etc.  

[poultrygeist]

Could you perhaps make it darker inside the coop by covering any windows etc.  

As it is, the only holes are 2 inch and a half vents in the front facing west and a series of smaller holes in the back facing east but sheltered. Both very high up in the gable end.
So it must be like a cave in there with the door shut. I presume the light shines through the gaps here and there but it's pretty tightly made if I do say so myself.  :oops:  

Rob

[alibean]

Yikes!

There was me thinking the forthcoming chooks could be trained to a nice 6.30am 'routine'!  Will they not get used to to or will they start being noisy earlier?  (live in a built up area so a bit concerned). :?

This won't be a problem during the week as hubby / me sometimes gets up at 4.30am 'happiness, happiness, is working for the post office.....'  However, could see this being a bit of a struggle on Sunday mornings.  Am thinking we'll have to get up, let the ladies out and then go back up for 'lie-in'........  

Nevertheless am still vvvvvvvvv excited!

[poultrygeist]

From the answers it would seem that they get used to whatever routine you set so we'll have to keep them at the 6.15/6.30 slot.

I very occasionally get up but obviously once one of you is up the other is always disturbed, especially when the dog thinks it must be breakfast time.  :roll:

I delayed until about 6.35 yesterday when it was v windy and they almost pushed through the door as I slid it open !
Maybe it's the footsteps that gets them excited. Have to get them some jigsaws to do in the mornings til they come out.

Rob

[ck2day]

I let mine out when I get up regardless of the time of the year. During the winter it is about 6am when i have finished mucking out the ponies and during the summer its when i get up. Normally around 7ish.  Much as i love my chucklets i am not hauling my butt out of bed at 4.30am just cos they want to go out.  They have to fit in around me.  
But in fairness to them I don't shut them up until dusk in the summer, so can be seen plodding out in my dressing gown late at night to close the shed door and say goodnight to them!! Not a pretty sight

You have to balance caring for them with your life and the way you live it.

Claire

[poultrygeist]

Fixed routine seems to be the way forward.

I'll have to convince Julie that they'll be happy in there til 6 or later.

I'm certainly not getting up any earlier though I'm normally about til after dusk to shut them up.

Unless I can make an auto-opener out of some old cotton reels, a piece of string and a mechano motor.  :?

Might be a fun project.  

Rob

[ck2day]

Would be interested to see what you auto-opener would be like.  Have never seen one before.  My Oh isnt too hot on diy so will have to stick to the manual version and standing back cos they come out of the shed like heat seeking missiles sometimes and woe-betide anyone or anything that gets in their way, including me or other hens!!

Quite comical really

Claire

[poultrygeist]

Don't assume that I'm actually capable but I'd love to try and come up with something.

If I do, I'll post photos and instructions. I would imagine a small motor powered by a battery with a timing mechanism would do the trick.
Our door slides to the side and sometimes sticks a bit so I'd need to look at that. CLosing could remain manual. Hmm.  :idea:

All on a budget of tuppence ha'penny !  :roll:

Rob
I think ebay might get a visit

[Foxy]

I have to say I have automatic door openers -more for peace of mind in the winter with the nights drawing in so early. I can see the henhouses from the bedroom anyway -during the week its fine up early anyway but weekends nice to have the option!  

[poultrygeist]

I've just realised  :roll:  that the coop is right next to the shed. The shed has 240vac power.
I can get a cheap ac motor and timer and just rig up some limit switches for open and closed positions and then a winding mechanism.
Bob's your auntie's lodger.

I'll run it past the finance commitee and see if she approves a budget.
I can do big wiring. It's the electronics that scares me.

Like you say, it's good just for the choice. But I couldn't justify the price they charge. I would think it could be done for £20 or less if I can scrounge some bits.
Thanks for all the suggestions. It helps to know you're not the only one with concerns.
Rob

[babe]

It helps to know you're not the only one with concerns.
Rob

aw rob, we're all concerned about you      

[poultrygeist]

So are the people in my head.

 :shock:

[babe]

[mdueal]

Oh no - i must be a bad chicken parent. Ours stay indoors till we get up, which is variable. In the week it is around 7.30 but weekends it it nearer 9am - this morning we were both off work not feeling good so it was around 10! They dont seem to mind at all though ad it does stop the cockerel crowing until a more reasonable time.

[poultrygeist]

Oh no - i must be a bad chicken parent. Ours stay indoors till we get up, which is variable. In the week it is around 7.30 but weekends it it nearer 9am - this morning we were both off work not feeling good so it was around 10! They dont seem to mind at all though ad it does stop the cockerel crowing until a more reasonable time.

If they're happy then you're doing a good job !  

I think ours are only restless because they've got used to us pandering to their every whim.
Though in this weather I don't know why they want to come out. If I was them I'd grab a beak full of pellets and run back inside.  

Rob