It can be nerve racking, at least for me LOLWell the baby stags are Crowing now and I finally grew a set and decided to free range all the pullets and hens no losses yet but I’m sure there will be
You mentioned something a while back about wanting to clear off some brush before letting them loose. I understand brush is a good hiding place for predators but it also provides cover for the birds too.
Yesterday that blasted Hawk was at it again. I heard that hen carrying on. She was down on the edge of the field and creek, no chicks to be seen. I couldn't find any of them. It's very dense along the creek with briars, brush, some old logs and such. I waited for a while and went back with scratch and called them. I was worried to death of course. I could finally catch a glimpse of her she was set in between some logs in there (deep shadows and dark birds), she finally moved and all the chicks came out with her. Chloe!


I watched for her and she worked her way up the creek some more then came across to one of the buildings then hopscotched back to their run.
Open spaces, not too good.