Decisions, decisions, can I get your opinions? pics included

[dangerouschicken]

We have a lot of predators, so I don't free range. I also don't want them in my garden! But I saw the giant eagles and hawks at Greyfields, and he lets all of his chickens (meat and egg birds) free range without trouble. Might be worth a try!

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
Oh I can agree with Florida being worse . I spent Honeymoon in Florida and 2 hours near that white sand , and I had 3rd. degree burns with MAJOR sunscreen protection .


Closer to water and ALOT more humid and HOT to say the least .

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
What I have to call free range is a protected BIG RUN , where they can run free all day . I would never turn a flock lose unless they are fully protected , read to many horrible stories , esp. when you least suspect anything might happen .

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:



Agreed and also a nice large area for an adjoining coop .. totally protected



Take my word for this , before you know it , you will want more , esp. different breeds ....

My whole chicken experience started off with 1 hen that made her home in one of my trees and made her a nest under it . I started collecting a beautiful brown egg daily , and NOW we are the proud owners of 47 head . ALL different breeds .... Like HOLY MOSES ..... So , which led to a big coop and a huge run ...

 

[mackenziesmomma]

Any suggestions as to how I would completely pred. proof the entire pasture?

Chicken wire might keep them in (how high can they fly?) and dogs out.

I can also run electric fence along the bottom and top of the pasture fence.

Hawks could still swoop down I guess. Not sure anything can be done for that- if so I'd like to know.

 

[BantyHugger]

Hey, i live in Ponder (between Fort Worth and Denton). The only day predators we have are dogs and red tailed hawks. The hawks are too small to actually carry off a standard chicken. We had 1 try once but he soon realized his prey was too big. Most hawks don't even look twice at full grown chickens. Ours free range and with the fence around the property (2 acres) are safe. I think you'd be safe, just remember to close them up at night.

 

[mackenziesmomma]

Banty-

So the hawks leave your hens alone? My girls are all grown up (Dominickers and Americanas). I thought that a hawk would go after the chickens, regardless of the size.

I would like to let em out during the day and then have them put themselves up at night. While I can plan to home when I let them out, I don't want to stay outside continuously all day.

 

[dangerouschicken]

Well I say try it. If you lose one hen eventually to a hawk, you can change your routine because you know IT WILL happen. Right now you just don't know. Of course you don't want to lose a hen, but sometimes with livestock and poultry, you just have to take a risk to see what will actually happen.

Good luck!

 

[dixygirl]

you could just throw a 50'x50' net over top that area and let them enjoy it.

They have 50x50 or 25x75 feet on Ebay for about $50.

Would not be 100% predator safe but probably stop hawk at least.
http://cgi.ebay.com/50x50-Net-Netti...hash=item170238166023&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318

Maybe a strand of electric wire real low will help with land threats.

 

[petlove]

I have an acre. I let my girls and boy out after work and on the weekends. I try to keep an eye out as much as possible. They are noisey when they get upset.