Chickens leaving coop before sunrise? Why?

[ReluctantChickenOwner]

Question. I've been babysitting my cousin's 2 dogs for a week. They are early risers and want a potty break in the early morning. This morning at 5:30 am I let the dogs out to do their business, when I noticed 3 of my hens out of the coop and in their run (they were safe). Now I normally am not checking on my hens at 5:30 am in the mornings, so it surprised me to see them out before sunrise.

Is this normal? Do hens leave the coop before sunrise sometimes?

I leave my coop door open, as the run is very predator proof. Fyi, One was eating. The others were just standing around.

Should I look for a reason? Or is this common during the fall when sunset and sunrise times are shortened?

8 hens; 4 are three years old, and 4 are two years old. Not sure which were out.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

My chickens are out of the coop at around 5:30 every morning. Even in the summer. I dont worry as mine are safe. I have a automatic door that opens at 5 so they could go out sooner but they dont.
During winter i dont allow the door to open until later.