Quote:
I'm very interested in a device like that. I can always move the traps further out!
I'm very interested in a device like that. I can always move the traps further out!
Do You Have Fully Pasture Raised Chickens? No protected coop?
- Thread starter lfreem2
- Start date
I haven't read everyone's posts yet, but we currently have 3 roosters and 2 hens running free in an 8-10 acre pasture.
The roosters have been out there for about 6-7 months or longer. (DH says 8-10 months which is probably right because they started crowing last Oct or Nov & went into pasture then) One hen, since around Feb of this year due to laying a wonky shaped egg constantly - possibly due to her limp from an injury as a pullet, and the other hen comes and goes out there as she pleases.
Ours roost in the barn, the same barn that the goats and horses use. When it starts getting bedtime, they go in there and roost on the stalls or indoor gate.
I have no clue why they never bothered to roost in the trees on the lower end of the pasture. They still do not get too far from the barn, cover only about half the pasture actually.
We have only lost one rooster, and that was by DH. The rooster did attack a baby goat. Why that one, we do not know. He never bothered any others. So that rooster had to go.
They love to eat with the goats at feeding time. It is hard to get them to leave the goats and eat their own food!
As far as fencing........I have no clue.........I think its 2x4 wire because the goat kids always got through the electric wire...... and out of 4 strands of electric wire, I think one maybe two are actually live. So we have double fencing around it all........and we have some sectioned off for our layers with hog panels.
Never have had a bird get into any of the fencing.
ETA: Our barn is never closed. The main hallway is open on both ends. We don't close those doors. On the left, each stall has a half door. On the right is the feed/tack room, a stall area closed off by a red farm gate (DH's brooder is in there) and then an open stall on the end.
Good luck with yours!
The roosters have been out there for about 6-7 months or longer. (DH says 8-10 months which is probably right because they started crowing last Oct or Nov & went into pasture then) One hen, since around Feb of this year due to laying a wonky shaped egg constantly - possibly due to her limp from an injury as a pullet, and the other hen comes and goes out there as she pleases.
Ours roost in the barn, the same barn that the goats and horses use. When it starts getting bedtime, they go in there and roost on the stalls or indoor gate.
I have no clue why they never bothered to roost in the trees on the lower end of the pasture. They still do not get too far from the barn, cover only about half the pasture actually.
We have only lost one rooster, and that was by DH. The rooster did attack a baby goat. Why that one, we do not know. He never bothered any others. So that rooster had to go.
They love to eat with the goats at feeding time. It is hard to get them to leave the goats and eat their own food!
As far as fencing........I have no clue.........I think its 2x4 wire because the goat kids always got through the electric wire...... and out of 4 strands of electric wire, I think one maybe two are actually live. So we have double fencing around it all........and we have some sectioned off for our layers with hog panels.
Never have had a bird get into any of the fencing.
ETA: Our barn is never closed. The main hallway is open on both ends. We don't close those doors. On the left, each stall has a half door. On the right is the feed/tack room, a stall area closed off by a red farm gate (DH's brooder is in there) and then an open stall on the end.
Good luck with yours!
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You aught to hear those faces growl when you get them caught!
Really scarey, and I'm not joshin. Those critters are vicious!
You aught to hear those faces growl when you get them caught!
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Kikiriki
Songster
Quote:
What do you use for bait?
I caught 3 with bread and 3 with marshmallows. I have since heard that penut butter and jelly will draw all sorts of critters!
Marshmallows?? Who'd of thought? Watch out though--you might find my mom in there...she is a marshmallow freak!
What do you use for bait?
I caught 3 with bread and 3 with marshmallows. I have since heard that penut butter and jelly will draw all sorts of critters!
Marshmallows?? Who'd of thought? Watch out though--you might find my mom in there...she is a marshmallow freak!
We have always had wild bunnies in the yard, the whole 10 years I have been in my home. I am amazed how well they do at avoiding predictors, and finding water, for that matter.
Kikiriki
Songster
Quote:
I'm very interested in a device like that. I can always move the traps further out!
I thought the price was pretty good. I might get one to try it out, but I,m still wavering...trying to figure out how to set up it...it's solar, and I have too much shade...
I'm very interested in a device like that. I can always move the traps further out!
I thought the price was pretty good. I might get one to try it out, but I,m still wavering...trying to figure out how to set up it...it's solar, and I have too much shade...
Quote:
If you build inviting nest boxes you can get a lot of the eggs. I have a nest box that is not in the tractor and my hens will go to that one to lay, if they don't feel like going back to the tractor when they are out free ranging.
If you build inviting nest boxes you can get a lot of the eggs. I have a nest box that is not in the tractor and my hens will go to that one to lay, if they don't feel like going back to the tractor when they are out free ranging.
- Thread starter
- #29
Quote:
These chickens are not feral. I raised them from day 1 and they are super friendly and jump on our laps. I visit the barn several times a day to give everyone a good petting and feeding. I had every intention of having laying nests and everything else that is already in my coop.
My biggest concern is really flying predators. I see the hawks out there often, and though I have never seen the owls, I can sure as heck hear 'em hooting, so I know they are out there.
The question is, truly, am I willing to risk their lives? I had every intention of re-homing this group that I'm putting in the pasture anyway, so I was trying to see if they'd successfully make it down in the pasture and therefore keep them. I'm ill at ease wondering if they will. I guess it's one of those questions that really doesn't have a good answer...
These chickens are not feral. I raised them from day 1 and they are super friendly and jump on our laps. I visit the barn several times a day to give everyone a good petting and feeding. I had every intention of having laying nests and everything else that is already in my coop.
My biggest concern is really flying predators. I see the hawks out there often, and though I have never seen the owls, I can sure as heck hear 'em hooting, so I know they are out there.
The question is, truly, am I willing to risk their lives? I had every intention of re-homing this group that I'm putting in the pasture anyway, so I was trying to see if they'd successfully make it down in the pasture and therefore keep them. I'm ill at ease wondering if they will. I guess it's one of those questions that really doesn't have a good answer...
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Is there a place away from the shade that you can put a post in the ground?
Is there a place away from the shade that you can put a post in the ground?
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