[jhub]

Hello
I have recently retired early from work and have decided to keep some hens.  I have arthritis and find it difficult to get moving in the early morning until the chemical equivalent of WD40 kicks in but thereafter am fine. Sooo... how early do my hens need to be let out of the coop?
many thanks. Jane

[Aunt Sally]

Welcome to the forums.  Do pop up to the Welcome Forum and introduce yourself.

I let mine out at about 7am in the summer and 8 am in the winter.  If that is too early for you you could use an automatic pop hole opener.

[UrbanG]

From what I am aware of, Hens get up at dawn and go to bed at dusk.
If you lock them in a coop overnight then basically they will get up when ever you open the door. (daylight)

Just because it can be sun up at 5am at certain times of the year does not mean you have to let them out at 5am. 7-8-9am are all fine. as long as its not really late AM just settle into a pattern and the chicks will be just fine.

[hendreary]

On work days I open up the coop at 05.30 but weekends at about 07.00 or even 08.00.
At the moment they are in by 18.00.

[jhub]

many thanks for your advice - I think I can manage 8am starts, just couldn't manage crack of dawn. Jane

[marianwhittock]

I am lazy so in the week its about 7 or half past and at the weekend more like 8 or half past - they don't complain.

[nessa egg]

hi jane,

I open the doors for mine at 7 but not always are they ready to come out then. Lazy 
since the clocks have changed they have been going in at around 7.00 or earlier if it raining.
Sometimes me and the hubby have bets on who can wake us up first, the kids or smithy the rooster.
At the moment smithy is winning with 5.30am!!!!! and the kids coming 2nd with 6.30 even though it is the school holidays!!

regards

[themagicaltoad1]

If your coop has a window in it, cover the window so the light doesn't get in and they will be fooled into not wanting to come out at the crack of dawn.

[compostqueen]

Mine kick up a right fuss if I don't let them out at first light so it's a sprint down the garden in my dressing gown.  I have an Eglu inside a secure run so I don't bolt the door but leave it closed but they can open it if they push against it.  My cleverest little chook always managed to get them all out but now she's in chook heaven the other two haven't got the hang of it and until they do it's early mornings for me
 

[lucylou]

hi! hens are fantastic pets and excellent stressbusters! Apart from your friends thinking you have turned into a mad chicken lady, im sure you wont regret getting them what types are you thinking about getting?

[jhub]

many thanks for your advice, you have been very helpful.

Lucylou- I am getting 2 maran/ rhode crosses and a gingernut ranger to start and yes my neighbours think I am developing an eccentric streak.

kind regards,Jane

[lucylou]

dont you mean eggccentric streak jane?r

[Aidy]

Mine are let out at about 6.45am, even when hungover  (thats the real killer) Mine are kept on the plot so I need to supply fresh water every morning, I scoop the poop for the compost bins, quick look over them and leave them to it. Tea time and its treat time then they are all tucked up by about 7pm.

[Aunt Sally]

Mine are let out at about 6.45am, even when hungover 

Do not give your hens alcohol !  I repeat Aidy, NO BOOZE for chooks 

[themagicaltoad1]

Mine are let out at about 6.45am, even when hungover 

Do not give your hens alcohol !  I repeat Aidy, NO BOOZE for chooks