Hi all.
We lost our first hen to a predator last week and now I'm a bit leery of leaving the other 3 out free ranging even when we're home (we were home last week when it happened). I am going to see about making a small A-Frame tractor for daytime use only - probably only when we're home. I just feel safer with them locked up in their coop w/attached run (made with hardware cloth) when we aren't home. I'll go through the forums as well later, but I thought someone might have some good tips for me
I was planning to use plywood for half of it for shade/extra protection if something comes poking, and 2X4 welded wire for the other half. Nothing on the bottom, I'll leave it open to grass. Not sure what size to make it, but I guess it will probably end up depending on the size of the wood I get - if I can make it without having to cut too much stuff down that would be nice
I know we'll need a nest box since they lay all times of day, we'll probably end up with a crate of some sort - I was planning to put it in the shaded part each day. I also have an extra waterer and feeder from when they were in the brooder - will be plenty for a few hours at a time in there. (Do they even need a feeder if they are getting fresh grass/bugs?)
Am I missing anything? Thank you in advance for any tips or tricks you can offer me
We lost our first hen to a predator last week and now I'm a bit leery of leaving the other 3 out free ranging even when we're home (we were home last week when it happened). I am going to see about making a small A-Frame tractor for daytime use only - probably only when we're home. I just feel safer with them locked up in their coop w/attached run (made with hardware cloth) when we aren't home. I'll go through the forums as well later, but I thought someone might have some good tips for me
I was planning to use plywood for half of it for shade/extra protection if something comes poking, and 2X4 welded wire for the other half. Nothing on the bottom, I'll leave it open to grass. Not sure what size to make it, but I guess it will probably end up depending on the size of the wood I get - if I can make it without having to cut too much stuff down that would be nice
I know we'll need a nest box since they lay all times of day, we'll probably end up with a crate of some sort - I was planning to put it in the shaded part each day. I also have an extra waterer and feeder from when they were in the brooder - will be plenty for a few hours at a time in there. (Do they even need a feeder if they are getting fresh grass/bugs?)Am I missing anything? Thank you in advance for any tips or tricks you can offer me
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