A little over a year ago, I posted a thread about getting some chickens. That thread can be found here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/870643/first-go-at-chickens-a-few-questions
In that thread, I had questions about several things, and I got some good answers. The difference between now and then is that we are living on the five acre property and we are seriously thinking about chickens again. We have not gotten around to it yet. I have a friend that works at an auction, and he suggested several things. I mentioned my lack of interest in a coop and he mentioned just going with free range chickens.
He told me that they will roost in the trees at night and the rooster will protect the hens. He suggested starting with a rooster and a few hens, and just see how it goes. I'd rather do this, because I don't want to worry with a coop. Here's how this will go - your chickens will roost in the trees at night for maybe a few weeks, or if you're lucky - a few months. Then they will be found by raccoons, owls, bobcats and whatever other creatures you have there that roam around at night. The coons will take a whole bird. They likely won't kill them swiftly and humanely, they'll just eat them bit by bit. If you have great horned owls, they'll pop your chickens' heads off. (I learned that lesson the hard way - I had chickens that roosted in the trees at night, and I started finding headless chicken bodies under the trees.) On the upside, maybe the coyotes or bobcats would clean up the bodies before you got up in the morning. If you got a rooster, it would not be protecting your hens at night as chickens are basically helpless in the dark.
The biggest concern I have is what kinds of predators will be drawn in. In the thread from a year ago, I mentioned having a blue tick coon hound. We have since given her to a family member, but now we have a small miniature Australian shepherd. She only ways about 13 lbs. We let her go out in the big yard occasionally (most of the barb wire fenced five acres), but when we do we are usually with her. She normally goes out in the smaller part of the fenced yard unsupervised. This smaller fence is probably about 1/4 acre and has three sides attached to the house. The fence is hog wire though, so chickens would not be able to be kept in it. I'd probably have to add chicken wire if I expected the chickens to stay inside this smaller fence.
The reason I mentioned our mini aussie is because I'm worried about predators coming into the yard and possibly going after her too. She is small and not any type of dog to defend herself, so hawks or coyotes concern me.
As far as just having the chickens free range, will they stay? They'll stay around until they get eaten by something. I 'm just trying to figure out how they will stay if they don't really have any incentive to. Should we feed them daily in the same spot so they know there is a meal everyday for them?
One last question. What exactly is a game chicken? I don't know the difference between a game chicken / rooster vs. the other types? Why is a game chicken more suited for free range?
Chickens really don't require a lot of "keeping up" - they do need a safe place to sleep at night, water and feed. Free ranging is great, but doesn't necessarily provide all the nutrients they need. Especially in the fall and winter months where I live. I don't know what your fall and winter months are like - if the plants ever die back or not. You could get by with a simple coop with just 4 walls, a roof and door to close at night(windows for ventilation would be nice, too). Put in roosts and a nest box so you don't have to go on an Easter egg hunt every day. I free range my chickens but also have attached runs so that if we're going to be gone or our son comes with his dog, I can keep them locked up and they can still get outside. If you're not willing to provide just the basics, I agree with Mrs. K - get your eggs from the neighbors. When we choose to buy and keep animals, we are responsible for their safety and well-being.
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