Howdy - I'm still going through ALL the posts in this thread. But I thought I'd pipe up to say that you've convinced me! I have two overlapping orders of CX chicks coming this fall - the first 20 shipping on Sept. 2, and the second 20 shipping on Oct. 14. (This is the best time for our hot climate, because things start cooling off in September/October, so there isn't as much of a heat stress issue.) That should fill my freezer for the year, and harvest will be finished before I get busy with my new meat rabbit operation in January.
I'm convinced with regards to free range several hours a day, but I have Cooper's hawks that nest in the back of my property. I let my Cream Legbar pullets out in a paddock under a big red oak tree with low branches, and the hawk likes to just perch in adjacent tree and STARES at them, like he's trying to figure out a way to get to them (he can't - no way to take off and land - and they're very good at running to the coop if he flies overhead). So I don't let them in the open unless there's overhead cover or I'm there. But I'll have to let the meatballs out in the open area (space-wise). I have some ideas for overhead deterrents/cover, but would welcome info on what other folks have tried.
BTW, having both in my yard (a lot), in my experience, vultures do not keep hawks away. But maybe that's just here.
I started just by browsing around in this thread, and once I decided to try it, I went back to the very beginning to read every post. I'm taking notes. Painstakingly. So, I guess I'd better get back to it!
- Ant Farm
