FLORIDA!!!!!ALWAYS SUNNY SIDE UP!!!

[cmom]

I lost my first chicken to a hawk today. What can you do to protect free rangers?

There really isn't anything you can do when they are free ranging. I try to only let my birds when I'm out. Once in awhile I will see a hawk but they seem to keep more distance when there is human activity outside. They will still ocassionally attack a bird when a person is outside. One of my friends lost a rooster to a hawk when he was outside not far away.

 

[Overeasyplz]

Hey y'all!! I live in Fruitland Park, Florida!! It's been a long three years since I hadf been to this forum again because I was so depressed over moving and having to liquidate my flock of quail, ducks and chickens and bunnies. (Being in an apartment would make it hard to keep them lol)
Anyway, things are looking up and we will be able to purchase a house soon. Where are the chicken-friendly cities? I found a nice place in Weirsdale with over a half acre, but it's going to be a bit before I can purchase and my husband says it has to be internet capable. I don't care where it is as long as I can have birds again.

 

[bantygirl]

Welcome from Loxahatchee, hope u get birds soon, I would sure miss mine

 

[joannefiddler]

I lost my first chicken to a hawk today. What can you do to protect free rangers?

Assuming you've got a rooster, to sound warning and your range includes ample hiding places for the gals to scoot under, there's not much more you can do. I'm sorry for your loss.

These fluffy creatues worm their way into our hearts, and it's always sad to lose one. Be comforted by the fact that she had a far superior life than 99 percent of the birds on the planet.

 

[puttindownroots]

All of mine free range and thankfully i haven't lost any. I have dogs that seem to keep the peace and no self respecting hawk would mess with them or our cats.

 

[kwol]

Located in Northwest florida [Ft Walton Beach to be exact] Have a small flock of 4 [3 hens and one rooster] White Faced Black Spanish Bantams. Eggs have been fertile so I've made two incubators so far. Only one in use for now. Waiting to gather more eggs for my bigger one. Can't wait to see babies ) First Hatch!!

What a beautiful flock you have! Please share picks when the eggs hatch too.

 

[wickedgame89]

Ha! That's pretty much how our yard is. Two dogs protect the chickens. And the Dogs protect me from the rooster when he feels like being a douche.

 

[wickedgame89]

What a beautiful flock you have! Please share picks when the eggs hatch too.

I will! If none of the 4 hatch that I have incubating now...that's fine because I have over a dozen eggs waiting for my new coolerbator!

 

[wickedgame89]

Welcome! I'm just up the road a piece in Baker! I've never used an incubator (other than a broody hen!). Hope you have a great hatch

Since we are so close let me know if you ever want to do a trade or anything! I'm interested in obtaining a bigger flock but only care to have 2 different breeds

 

[Sunflower3628ac]

Bantygirl, where are you in Loxahatchee, FL?
I am in the Acreage.