A new flock with lessons learned

[pierce652]

Well we have had chickens for years...a nice coop and run but let them roam the yard by day for years without any trouble. Despite the calm winter this year in a matter of two days hawks zeroed in and took out five chickens leaving only one huddled under the deck. I crawled in and finally got her back to safety.

Today friends who have wanted chickens came over and we traded a spare coop and run for 5 new girls. Lesson learned and no more free ranging on this land. An awful lesson learned especially since I loved watching the girls run around the yard.

I guess what I'm saying is be careful. They may go unnoticed for a long while but once they are discovered you need to act fast.

 

[nick7764]

Ooh I'm getting chickens this summer that we're planning on free-ranging and this is what I'm afraid of! The idea of raising them from chicks and then loosing them like that is awful... it sounds like I should brace myself though since it seems like its a common thing for free-range chickens...

 

[RedDrgn]

I'm sorry that happened to you and your flock.

Unfortunately, that's the risk we run when we free range. It could be anything at any time. If there's something in the area that's hungry, and chickens are on their menu, then it's all a matter of timing and luck.

If you didn't have a roo, but are allowed one in your area, you might consider tracking one down and adding it to your flock. A majority do a darn fine job of sounding the alarm when they spot a potential threat, especially an aerial one. Giving the hens a chance to run for cover. Some roos even manage to take down attacking raptors.

Additionally, it'll help if you only free range when you (or someone) can be outside and nearby. We never let ours out unless we're out (which we often are).