To close pop hole or not???

mine are on the allotment and i don't shut them up any more.  they've been fine for over a year now. no fox can get it, rats do but they're kept under control so they're not massive ones and there's so much food about they haven't gone for my chickens.

I've had an auto closer from the start, and think it's wonderful.

In the summer the girls are up and about first thing, a lot earlier than I am, though they do have to wait till 6am for their breakfast, cos I take the food in every night (rats).  They have access to water though, I don't take that in.

I got the auto closer because of the convenience of not having to think/remember and clock watch.  It takes all the worry out ot it.  I'd be very worried about rats getting in.  And whilst my pen is as fox proof as a pen can be, a closed pophole is added security and peace of mind.

Also handy if you have to ask friends/neighbours to chook sit. They only have to come in for feeding/cleaning/egg collection.

It was expensive, but I think worth every penny.

i open up at about 0730, but close the pop hole as soon as they have all gone in, just make sure they are all there and close it up, we have had a rat earlier in the winter, but i have poison permanently in place under the shed to keep them in check

lock them in  , these poop auto openers are ideal if u know and i mean know that your run is fox proof etc personally i would never trust them , i have to put mine out at 6 am wether they like it or not as i go to work at 6,30 am this morning i could swear blind there was a fox on the plot behind the run but i could not see in the dark but at least i could check my main fencing by torch light before letting girls out to know the run is secure .