Hello fellow BYC'ers I have 4 chickens. 2 silkies, 1 silkie cross, and a Silver duckwing OEGB bantam. Recently, I've been letting them free-range in our backyard. We live in a suburb and there are houses all around us (But we have a lot of backyard). Many of our neighbors have sighted a red fox run around in our neighborhood. We too have seen it. It has killed several of our rabbits when they got loose from their cage. One time a while ago, we saw it peering into our rabbit cage early in the morning.This fox has even been seen in the light of day. When I write this, it makes it sound like it runs around every day, but it doesn't. We don't see it often, and haven't seen it i over 3 months. I was just wondering, is it safe for my chickens to free-range in our backyard? I don't know if I'm being paranoid or if it's actually a threat. Knowing me, I'm probably just paranoid. Here's my silly birds.
Anytime you free range you run the risk of a predator showing up when they are unprotected by a run/coop. Predators are sneaky and they are fast and can attack even while you are there. Someone else recently had a hawk start attacking her chickens while she was out there with them. No guarantees - you'll have to decide how much of a risk you are willing to take.
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm thinking that I'll only let them free-range when I'm out there with them. Otherwise, I'll put them in my rabbit's fence. That way they'll be protected from foxes and hawks, because it's fenced off and under a low tree.
Breeds you have repressent probably the most vulnerable to predation by critters like red fox. Hawks even in urban setting will also be a concern. Oversight while free ranging s recommended and be prepared to do more than watch when predator calls. They will visit while you are present so kick butt.
You are not being paranoid a fox will snatch one right under your nose. They depend on you to protect them, I wish you the best of luck in keeping them safe.
I have had coyotes and fox come up and snatch free ranging birds right out from under my nose while doing morning chores before. Just be prepared.
