Free Range Question

[wxdude99]

Do you think it would be safe to let my chickens free range inside a privacy fence during the day while I'm at work? I know most predators come out at night. Does anybody else do this?

Thanks

 

[gritsar]

My chickens free-range all day, but only when I'm home.
There's still the same amount of predators whether I'm home or not, but I feel like when I'm home I at least have the chance to intervene.

 

[jacyjones]

My birds free range in the day when I am at work. We do get foxes around in the UK in the day but I have been ok for a long time, fingers crossed!

 

[wxdude99]

Do you have runs? I was hoping to do without building a run. I guess the only problem will be when the weather is bad I'll have to keep them in the coop. Thanks.

 

[jacyjones]

I have a small run but I open this each morning and let them go in the field. They go to the stable and overhang to get out of bad weather and then go their shed at night. I shut the run door when I put the horse away after dark.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I don't have a run at this time, but their coop is roomy. We do intend to eventually build a run so they're not confined to the coop when we have to be away from home.
Mine wander around no matter the weather. If it's raining hard I can usually find them under the carport or under the eaves of the nearest outbuilding.

 

[@migocontodos~]

Lots of people do this...but it's a chance WE take.
I saw a hawk the other day peeping down on the girls!

 

[portlandpeeps]

We live in the city and have always free ranged our hens, but last week we had a hawk visit. Nearly nabbed a hen and would have been successful had I not been around to hear the chickens squawking their heads off. I kept them in their coop/run for a couple days hoping the hawk had left the area, but now I'm hesitant to let them out while I'm gone. Cats can be a problem during the day here too.

You're taking a risk, but it does make for happy hens.

 

[portlandpeeps]

and here's another predator you may need to worry about...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=111826

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yep, you're right! On the days that I don't let mine out I can hear their complaining all the way back to the house.
We have bobcats, bobcat hybrids, coyotes, hawks, a pair of golden eagles and who knows what else.
It's not a question of IF I'll lose some. I know it'll happen eventually. In the meantime my chooks are happy and they have a great life.