Hello,
I am in the planning stage of my first coop and I've got a good idea where I'll be placing my coop on our property. I'm planning on having an enclosed run attached to the coop (most likely underneath it) which should give the girls some place to stretch their legs during the day. However, I also would like to let the birds free-range a bit when I am out in the yard. We own ~2 acres and our property abuts a larger wild pasture next door. My concern is how much do I have to worry about aerial predators while my birds are out free-ranging. There are some trees on the edge of the yard (where the coop will be) as well as the edge of the pasture. But should I be concerned that the chickens will always be in jeopardy from a hawk while they are out in the open free-ranging? Are there any precautions I can take, as it would be a shame to not let them roam my yard as well as part of the pasture.
Secondly, are chickens away of the dangers that might be in the sky, or are they ignorant to it? Will they stay close to cover or in groups while free-ranging, or do they just go where their feet take them? I'm trying to get a feel for how much risk the birds will be in when they are in the open areas or if I'm building the risk up more than I should?
I appreciate the advice. My birds will be here in 2 weeks!
Best Regards,
-Okt
I am in the planning stage of my first coop and I've got a good idea where I'll be placing my coop on our property. I'm planning on having an enclosed run attached to the coop (most likely underneath it) which should give the girls some place to stretch their legs during the day. However, I also would like to let the birds free-range a bit when I am out in the yard. We own ~2 acres and our property abuts a larger wild pasture next door. My concern is how much do I have to worry about aerial predators while my birds are out free-ranging. There are some trees on the edge of the yard (where the coop will be) as well as the edge of the pasture. But should I be concerned that the chickens will always be in jeopardy from a hawk while they are out in the open free-ranging? Are there any precautions I can take, as it would be a shame to not let them roam my yard as well as part of the pasture.
Secondly, are chickens away of the dangers that might be in the sky, or are they ignorant to it? Will they stay close to cover or in groups while free-ranging, or do they just go where their feet take them? I'm trying to get a feel for how much risk the birds will be in when they are in the open areas or if I'm building the risk up more than I should?
I appreciate the advice. My birds will be here in 2 weeks!
Best Regards,
-Okt