I'm planning on having some meat birds and a few layers this summer at my fishing lodge. I am on an island, so predators are not a problem...like bears or foxes etc. I do have birds of prey in the area, but they feed on the fish scraps from my fisherman, so hopefully that wont be a problem.
Edit-My meat birds will be purchased young, I have the option for day-old, 2 weeks old, and 3 weeks (undecided atm). The laying birds will be purchased mature, I am not sure the age but my suppliers tell me they are near ready to lay when purchased. I do not have much info on the breeds of birds etc, still awaiting reply from my supplier.
Firstly, I see how chickens are often free to roam about outside of any pens or fences. What is the distance that they will go from their coops/pens? If I let my birds loose on my 8 acres, will they get lost in the woods or stay nearby? Do the birds have to be "rounded up" before dark or do they return on their own?
At what age are birds able to wander on their own outside of the pen?
In extreme weather such as high wind, heat or rain - can the birds be let out if they have some cover near the coop such as a roof for shade or protection and if I leave the door open so that they can go back inside. Or just leave them inside with food/water?
I apologize if this info is already on the forums, but I'm super busy getting the lodge ready for this summer.
Big thanks in advance for any information!
Edit-My meat birds will be purchased young, I have the option for day-old, 2 weeks old, and 3 weeks (undecided atm). The laying birds will be purchased mature, I am not sure the age but my suppliers tell me they are near ready to lay when purchased. I do not have much info on the breeds of birds etc, still awaiting reply from my supplier.
Firstly, I see how chickens are often free to roam about outside of any pens or fences. What is the distance that they will go from their coops/pens? If I let my birds loose on my 8 acres, will they get lost in the woods or stay nearby? Do the birds have to be "rounded up" before dark or do they return on their own?
At what age are birds able to wander on their own outside of the pen?
In extreme weather such as high wind, heat or rain - can the birds be let out if they have some cover near the coop such as a roof for shade or protection and if I leave the door open so that they can go back inside. Or just leave them inside with food/water?
I apologize if this info is already on the forums, but I'm super busy getting the lodge ready for this summer.
Big thanks in advance for any information!
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