Free range vs Coop raising?

[Dawnrenae]

I had to put my flock back in the coop and close the gate. I have a dog, no, not a wild dog, who is now pestering my babies... And he has already tried to kill several, but the roosters are a little stronger than he is.

I was thinking until the dog gets put in a proper dog run that I can let my babies out of the coop for some free time, and then lock them up when I can't watch.

Will it hurt my babies, to be locked back up after being free range for so long?

 

[bobbi-j]

They'll be fine. Especially considering your alternatives (no dog or dead chickens). It may set them back from laying a bit because they don't like change very well, or it may not. They'll squawk at you when you go near the coop, but they will adjust. Just make sure their coop and run area are big enough so they're not too crowded.

 

[Dawnrenae]

Thanks. I do need to add on to the fencing, as they will need some extra room, but, I just need them to be safe.

 

[bobbi-j]

Thanks. I do need to add on to the fencing, as they will need some extra room, but, I just need them to be safe.

Yep, that's the first step!

Your thought on a run for the dog so they can be out at separate times is good.

 

[Dawnrenae]

Well technically, the dog has his own run, separate from the chickens, but he has destroyed the skirting on our mobile, and gets through to the birds...

So, I have to have it fixed, and well, I don't have the time or money to do it myself.