Chicken Pasture

[mackenziesmomma]

I am not sure if this is the correct forum to post this in...

Originally, I planned on having a coop in a small pasture. I planned on letting the chickens free range during the day, then locking them up in the coop at night. Well, now I am afraid to do that. I see hawks flying by... I think a fox might come out in the middle of the day, or a raccoon.

Do any of you let your chickens free range? Will hawks go after them? Any suggestions?

Jennifer

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

the owner of the barn I board my horse at has a flock of 25+ chickens she free ranges during the day. According to her she hasnt lost one to a hawk or other wild animal. But has now lost about 3 to a neighboring dog.
She has 26 acres. the chickens seem to stay around in about 3 of that. Some wander into the woods near my geldings paddock. And I see them in the bigger horse pastures all the time

When they "see" a hawk or large bird flyover the ones close to the coop will run for it. Ones further away stop in their tracks and dont move. She is also building a tent like shelter for them to hide under if they cant make it back in time.