I just recently lost most of my flock after 7 yrs of free ranging so I understand your grief in that they are losing their ability to wander freely and enjoy the sunshine. Mine are currently only allowed in another section of the barn...(I only have 3 left 
They free ranged with goats which I believed protected them a lot.
However now, even when I'm home, I'm afraid to let them out. I am their protector, and I promised them they would not have to be afraid again after the massacre. Although they are not lap chickens, they are my responsibility and are little creatures who depend on me, esp since I raised them from babies.
When summer arrives I plan on getting some electric poutry netting to allow them to free range only when I'm home. I also have a baby monitor outside, so I can hear.
When I first started, I killed raccoon after raccoon after raccoon. I finally got tired of the killing and realized, it would be less stressful on me, if I just made sure their coop was secure and nothing could get in. Of course that didn't apply to free ranging. But you kill one predator, another one is waiting to take their place.
They free ranged with goats which I believed protected them a lot. However now, even when I'm home, I'm afraid to let them out. I am their protector, and I promised them they would not have to be afraid again after the massacre. Although they are not lap chickens, they are my responsibility and are little creatures who depend on me, esp since I raised them from babies.
When summer arrives I plan on getting some electric poutry netting to allow them to free range only when I'm home. I also have a baby monitor outside, so I can hear.
When I first started, I killed raccoon after raccoon after raccoon. I finally got tired of the killing and realized, it would be less stressful on me, if I just made sure their coop was secure and nothing could get in. Of course that didn't apply to free ranging. But you kill one predator, another one is waiting to take their place.
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