do you stay with your flock while free ranging?

[hallerlake]

I watch mine when they are out of the run, but they're not full grown yet. When they're too big for a cat or hawk to want to mess with, I'll let them out by themselves some, too. We have hawks and eagles here, but it seems that the crows do a pretty good job driving them away. I think we have a crows nest in or near the yard. Our fence is too high for them to get out or dogs to get in.

 

[ryanhodapp]

I have a fenced in backyard, 4 ft high chain link. I have lost 4 because they somehow ended up in the neighbor's yard where there are 2 very nice lab's. So now I have taken part of my yard and fenced it to 8 foot with bird netting and covered the top too. I only have 4 birds that are free ranging all day because they were before this happened and I cant "coop" them.

So the other 8 I have in this run area and I built a larger coop inside my detached garage. They can go in and out the window to the outside part. Just got all of this done this past weekend. No one is complaining or getting pecked. I open the gate at night when I am out there but they are afraid of the other 4 and only come out a couple of feet until the "four" approach, then they run back in to their run.

I have just enough space and i wish I could give them the whole yard. (then I could have more, not really I am already over the legal limit)

If I didnt have kids I would subscribe more to the theory about happy life vs long life. But the kids handled dead bird number 1 and 2 pretty good but bird #3 and 4 had them over the edge. They dont want anymore! so I have to protect the birds until they lighten up a bit.

good luck

 

[The Tinman]

I have 17 6 week old Jersey Giants I let them out in the morning and they have all day to roam.They go back in the coop at night. I picked Jersey Giants because they are black and hopefully the hawks will think they are crows and leave them alone. So far so good I have not seen a hawk since I put the girls in the coop. If I am home I like to sit and watch them sometimes they are funny.I bring a chair and read the paper. I think it is a good Idea to let them free range. They will eat the bugs,fertalize and thatch your lawn. Someone said thier roo protects the hens. One day a dog chased my chickens my roo was the first to take off. Luckly I was there. You have to expect to lose a few here and there. Thats why you should order more than you need. although I would be upset to lose any.

 

[Lifetime chicken lover]

I have a small flock of 7 hens, and let them free-range our 7 acres all day. They seem to know when a hawk or eagle is passing and they get down and hide. I've seen them do it several times.

 

[gritsar]

My flock is out free ranging all day, every day. They put themselves to bed at night and all that's left for me to do is go out and lock them in.
They've been free ranging since they were tiny - 2 1/2 weeks old (with supervision at that age, of course). I believe the younger they are when you start free ranging they more skills they develop for survival. my roo is very attentive and watchful and they do know when it's time to hide.

 

[TwilightMom]

I'm in the burbs and I let all seven of my chickens, one is a roo, free range all day. From daylight to dusk, unattended a few days a week. My coop/run is too small to keep them in there all day. Lots of space in the yard with lots of hiding areas too. I don't worry too much about it. I've been doing it this way for three months now, since they were 8 weeks. so far so good!

 

[ella]

I only let my flock out evenings when I know I'll be home and I do sit out with them to enjoy the afternoon. Grill some burgers, pour some wine. Very nice way to spend the evening.

 

[AlaskGirl]

Thanks to your sharing, I'm ready to brave it again. Mine LOVED to free-range! Then came the dogs. The owners have been good about keeping them kenneled so I've wanted to let them out for a "test run" for days now. I might try it tomorrow, supervised of course. I have six hens on 2 acres. They would be so much happier if they could investigate.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

You know it's just a decision you have to make. Do I want happy birds that enjoy their life, even though they are at risk of a predator....or do I want safe, but not as happy birds?

This was our dilemma as well, but after much deliberation, we decided that a happy bird was more important to us. They are our pets as well as egg producers and we take very good care of them. Yes, we do lose 2-3 every year to predators while free-ranging and it's heartbreaking.

There are certain times of the year that we don't let them out as long because the predators seem to be on the prowl more. Generally this is during the winter and the days are shorter anyway. Jan-Mar is bad for hawks where we are. I'm considering using camo saddles on all the hens next year. Crazy K makes a saddle with "predator eyes" stitched on the top. Don't know if it works to fend off the hawks, but it's worth a try!

 

[BlackBart]

I let mine free range all day. Somebody is home until just after noon and they are left alone until 5 o'clock, most days.
They have the dogs to protect them and we live next to a wilderness park so most of my fencing is electric.

A fellow told me about some A frames he made from long pallets. He uses them for shelters for his birds to run into if Eagles fly by. I made a few. Might stop the Ravens, Hawks and Eagles but I depend on the dogs for day tripping Raccoons.