I like to sit with the chickens at bedtime when I have time and usually Treacle and Bluebell come and sit on my lap. Lately though Bluebell also likes to stand on the coop roof, they all do from time to time but she likes to do this at bedtime and Treacle likes to stand or sit on my shoulder. At first I used to try to discourage her and keep her to my lap but so far she has been very gentle so I have started to allow her. She likes to rub her beak in my hair but does so softly and has never pecked me yet, if she did, I would stop her going up. It’s as if she thinks she is preening me and seems quite affectionate.
Bluebell on the coop roof
She likes it up there
Queen of the castle
Treacle likes to stand on my shoulder
Treacle likes to sit on my shoulder
Treacle and me having some close time
At this point all the girls had gone in, in fact that’s Pepper in the background having a last look out of the door. Treacle often stays with me until they are all in, then she jumps down and joins them. This was about fifteen minutes earlier than usual but it had been a dull cloudy day with some showers. Within a few minutes of Treacle going in the automatic door shut. This is the first time we have seen it shut so quickly after they have gone to bed. I wonder how they know so accurately when it’s time to go. I will also be keeping a check on it to make sure they don’t get shut out. The automatic door sensor can be adjusted and I think the roof extension has made it a little darker but also the nights are drawing in.
Bluebell and Pepper go to bed
Treacle goes to bed
Once Treacle has gone in they all settle for the night. Once the door closed it all went very quiet.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
I would definitely adjust the sensor if I were you. Having it close that soon after they go in is just asking for one of them to be stranded outside.
If I remember correctly, all you have to do is unscrew the case on the door opener (there are 4 plastic screws in the corner), and then turn a little white plastic thing (it’s a variable resistor but I thought ‘thing’ would work better for you!) with a flat head screwdriver. Of course we all know who’s job that will be (hint: not yours).
I think ideally you want it to close about an hour after the girls go in, or at the very least half an hour.
Also remember that it closes with the sunlight, and in general the chickens decide to go in based on the sunlight too so the nights getting longer shouldn’t be a problem.
Tonight they all went in at about the same time as last night and it didn’t close while I was out there. Maybe it was just dark early the night before because of the weather. I know what you mean though, you don’t want it to be that close. I will be keeping an eye on it over the next few days and will decide if it needs altering. I will refer to your instructions if we need to alter it or at least get husband to, as you rightly point out that it is he that has the skill level for these more technical matters!