I will Redo my lock up door so it is more functional AND convenient - and lock up my fowl every single night without fail; had my birds been locked up, the raccoon could not have gotten in.
Blessings to you all, Laurie in Berthoud
So my girls free range. I bought six hens even though I really only needed/wanted 3 but everyone said you will lose some. My coop is a solidly built shed and my pop or is an automated door that I never have to do anything with. I still have six hens. I do have an electric fence around the outside of the coop but that is more for a deterrent for my chicken chasing dogs and I actually have a "chute" the girls can get out to free range. They are all over the property. It continues to amaze me that I still have six but I think your statement above is key. They are locked up tight at night!