Pop-hole opening

What a great website, I only joined yesterday and already have had one question answered. What friendly, helpful people.  Perhaps someone could help me with another. I have had my chickens for only a few weeks but have a friend who has had chickens for years and she leaves the pop-hole to her house open all the time so that the hens can get up as early as they like. My partner thinks this might be a good idea if we ever go away, as the house has a fox proof run attached, and they won't have to wait till late to be let out. Logically the only thing I can think of that might be harmful is the draft in cold weather and a rat or mouse might somehow get into the run and into the house at night. Does anyone else do this? What do others think of this?

Thanks, I think that would be the only time I would risk it - on the occasional summer night.

 I totally agree with your organic comment.

Oh dear.  I'll bear that in mind, but I only want to do if if we go away for a night,  so hopefully the neighbours would bear with me in exchange for a couple of eggs.

thanks, that's reassuring.  I have thought about an electronic door, but wasn't sure how reliable they were, plus they are quite expensive. If I spend much more on the chickens they'll have a better house than us, especially the door as we have to kick our frontdoor to make it open.

Hi i'm new to all this chicken keeping and have a lot to learn however my chickens live (temporarily) in a rabbit hutch.  I removed the mesh door completey so they have free access day andnight.  They are in a secure covered galvanised steel pen but free range during day.  We've not experienced any problems with this arrangement so far.  They seem to get up early (first light) potter around for a while and then go back to bed until I or my daughter lets the out when we have our breakfast.  Not sure what to do about winter though have considered moving theire "henhouse" into the greenhouse.  Living on west coast it gets awful drafty at times and wet to boot and there lies the main argument against the greenhouse idea as last winter it did a good impression of a box kite.