Bluey's Flock

[bluey]

Here is a picture of our modest free ranging flock, which consists of our year old Delaware mix (Churkey) and our 4 new BR and RIR 16 week old chicks. We're new to raising chickens but we are enjoying it very much, so far. Chickens are characters, that's for sure!

 

[hcammack]

wow nice picture beautiful ladies pretty soon you will be swimming in eggs !

 

[max13077]

I wish I could let mine free range.

But 200+ big rigs a day moving at 65mph scare me.

 

[bluey]

We're very lucky to have the setup we have. It just happens to be perfect for free ranging chickens with about 1-2 acres of grass surrounding the house and the rest in woodlot. The chickens are never more than 30-40 yards from the house/garage/cover.

The only drawback is raccoons and possums, which I monitor via a gamecam and hunt as soon as one wanders around. I believe in active vigilance in this area, since we free range. As soon as I discover a predator is visiting at night, it usually only has a life expectancy of a few days.

I know their are risks inherent to free ranging but I'd still rather let them free during the day. So far, a year into it and no losses. But that can change in a blink.

 

[KellyGwen]

Nice!

How did you get the temperature, moon phase and all of that on the bottom of the pic? Is that you camera??

 

[bluey]

Yes! I have a Moultrie Infra-red camera that records those variables. It sure helps with tracking the predators tendencies. This way I don't have to sit out all night trying to figure out when they are likely to show up. It works like a charm and no flash to scare away the animal!

 

[sweetshoplady]

Beautiful flock! I like your coop!

That's neat that you have a camera like that. Very smart investment.