Arizona Chickens

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Visine is a brand that has a number of eye drop products. Some might sting and others would not. The kind that "gets the red out" is likely to sting, and is strongly discouraged by my contact lens specialist and opthamologist (along with all similar products in other brands). Some of the eye drops that contain antihistamines can also sting.

 

[pupeluv]

How many of you let your chickens free range during the day? Do you lose any to hawks?

 

[itsredcandy]

How many of you let your chickens free range during the day? Do you lose any to hawks?

I have ten on the southeast tip of Mesa. The free range from dawn till dusk. They are locked in their coop at night. We haven't lost any to predators. I have seen hawks flying over head but the hens all run for cover when they see them. I even had the all run for cover when a vortex pulled up some news paper about 50 feet or so above the the house.

 

[Memphisjourney2seramas]

I had to quit do to neighbors dogs and feral cats. they now have a large inclosed run, but I couldnt take the chances anymore. It was really fun watching them run around the property.

How many of you let your chickens free range during the day? Do you lose any to hawks?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

This was sent to me. It is absolutely hilarious! Enjoy

 

[Billiam]

I also have a link to a picture of my coop under my avatar.

I just asked this on your coop page and figured I'd ask here so everyone can see a response.

"How does this fair during monsoon storms? Do those chains attach to some kind of shutter flap?"

 

[Mikey D]

How can we keep the coop cool in our heat?. I would think they would roast in there while trying to lay their eggs. I plan to use windows that open with screens for summer ventilation. I hope that is enough. Does everyone have enclosed coops? I would love to see pictures of others coops in the area. I am trying to figure out what to do with all the quail eggs I get.I am not eating those eggs. Anyone else have a quail?
Kris

Ventilation and shade. If the structure of your coop / floor can handle it - misters.

Our coop / run is built onto the house around a window - we leave the window partially open and the swamp cooled air from inside blows directly into the coop. I placed a board on the outside wall of the coop so some of the air will be redirected in to where the birds hang out.

We also purchased a couple of window evaporate coolers for our sons who decided not to use them. I'm going to install one in the coop.

People also freeze blocks of ice and watermelons and grapes and anything else that will fit in the freezer and give them to the cluckers.

Pans of water for them to wallow in - I let the mister form puddles in which they like scratching and wading.

Hope it helps!

 

[Mikey D]

How many of you let your chickens free range during the day? Do you lose any to hawks?

I'm still new at this but mine all free range during the day.

 

[kevs-chickadees]

How many of you let your chickens free range during the day? Do you lose any to hawks?

Mine free range all day too. We hardly ever see hawks and when we do they don't stick around for long. They would have plenty of the sky rats to prey on before any of the chickens around here. We also currently lock them in the coop at night but it's more to control the rooster's vocals at the break of dawn. As soon as he's gone they are free to come and go as they please.

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

Quote:
Hmm, I hadn't noticed you could ask questions on my coop page.

So far so good. I've had it for 3 years and haven't had any major damage. I did have to re-attach a couple of places on the roof once.
The chain is just put up there so I could take the picture. It's usually hanging down holding the feeder. The feeder is made out of a bucket and a plastic planter tray. (see pic 2)
I have replaced the chicken wire with hardware cloth since this was taken.