I'm kind of new to this but, I would put the newbies in the pen for about a week. When you let them out, they still may be picked on...pecking order has to be established.
They need feed and water. During the day they will wander around eating whatever they want, but they have to have feed. They can't get enough nutrients, living off of the land, that they need to be healthy and productive.
No different than when shooting a deer. I find it amazing you can shoot a deer through the heart and it can run up to 200 yds. before falling over. Nerves and adrenaline.
.410 single shot shot gun for snakes and opossums. 12 gauge for fox coyotes or stray dogs. I like semi-auto remington 11-87. I also bird, squirrel and deer hunt.
Nope, it helps the "critters" see what they are doing. The only thing a light will do is make sure you can see the carnage while it's happening. Fencing is the only answer-do it right!
I saw where you had replied on my other post. I would not have even had a CHANCE if my dogs had not sounded the alarm. I've got a small arsenal and to me the safest and most effective is a 12 gauge shotgun. #4 shot for smaller critters and for a good sting in the a$$ for the larger. Buck shot...
I've got four beagles. They have all been exposed to the chickens with a stern tongue lashing. When the dogs first sniffed the chickens to find out what they were, I scared the heck out of the dogs AND got the chickens to flap their wings for added measure. I have had no problems...knock on wood!
I free range my flock.
Yesterday around 3:00 in the afternoon, I noticed a squawking noise from the woods behind my house. I noticed a small clump of feathers in the pipeline and a light trail of feathers that lead into a thicket. I grabbed my .22 pistol and set out on a chicken rescue mission...
I didn't leave my beagle out for patrol duty last night and lost 3 and have one injured. The top of the beak has been broken off at the skin. Will it grow back? Also has skin ripped from neck. Should I go ahead and cull?