Is it necessary to close wood coop door at night if attached to run?

[Trefoil]

Chicken wire is for keeping chickens in, not for keeping predators out and it doesn't. Use a heavier gauge small holed wire.

 

[yellowchicks]

If the coop is attached to a predator-proof run, then the coop door can be left opened at night. Even in NJ suburb, there are hawks, raccoon, fox, feral cats and dogs regularly roaming around. You don't notice them until they come after the chickens.

I have a predator-proof run set up so our pop door is opened 24/7, with buffet style food and water feeder in the run, try to be as maintenance free as possible. The only thing I have to worry about is heating the insulated water bucket in the winter to keep the water from freezing. Otherwise, my chickens are pretty self-sufficient going in and out of the coop themselves, and eating or drinking whenever they want.