Dom, barred, or Plymouth?

[TheOddOneOut]

I think the biggest predator I’m going to have to worry about is the guard cat. She guards them while they’re in the pen, but I think she’d eat them if I let them out.

Well, maybe keep her confined while they are out?
We thought our 15 pound dog would be the same... long story short, he’s scared to go outside when the hens are out.

 

[black_cat]

I think the biggest predator I’m going to have to worry about is the guard cat. She guards them while they’re in the pen, but I think she’d eat them if I let them out.

My cat is afraid of my chickens. You'd be surpised.

 

[JeremyKSullivan]

Is there a good time of day to let them out? Is it hard to get them back in?

 

[black_cat]

Is there a good time of day to let them out? Is it hard to get them back in?

If you let them out in the evening, most will go back in to roost.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Is there a good time of day to let them out? Is it hard to get them back in?

If you've never let them out before to free range, let them out 2-3 hours before bed time to see how they do. They should go back to the coop on their own without any problems.

 

[JeremyKSullivan]

If you've never let them out before to free range, let them out 2-3 hours before bed time to see how they do. They should go back to the coop on their own without any problems.

Since I just got them, should I keep them in the pen for a certain length of time before I start letting them out?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Since I just got them, should I keep them in the pen for a certain length of time before I start letting them out?

How soon is just? If you've had them even for 5-7 days you should be fine.

 

[JeremyKSullivan]

How soon is just? If you've had them even for 5-7 days you should be fine.

I just got the BR’s on Saturday

 

[black_cat]

I just got the BR’s on Saturday

Keep them inside for a few weeks and make sure they are reliably roosting at night.

 

[HappyClucker7]

Is there a good time of day to let them out? Is it hard to get them back in?

I always get my chickens back inside with treats. I've also taught them to come when I call, "Yummies!" They know they're getting treats when I say that, so they all come running no matter where they are. It took me a while to teach them that, so it's not something you can just do, but it might be worth it to teach them to come when you call.