Free-range??

[Michellep224]

Hello!
I'm going to be adding some mature hens to my flock very soon! I have a question.
I'm going to post a couple pictures later, as it is pouring outside, but I can describe it for now.
I have a mother lamancha goat with 2 kids.
They are in a decent sized square pasture. If I put some chickens in that pen with the goats, reinforced with chicken wire or hardware cloth, would they be safe from foxes and hawks and things? What if I put in a rooster to help protect hens?

 

[sourland]

The goat MAY help deter predators, but when birds are free ranged you must always expect/accept some losses. I would have a coop and smaller pen available for night protection and use if predation occurs.

 

[Michellep224]

I just got a puppy I'm going to train as a guard dog for the coop at night time.

 

[PetesChicks]

What kind of pup? It can be hard to train some dogs, depending on breed, to realize that the chickens are not toys/food. I was lucky, my beagle liked her chicken “sisters” right from the start. She can go in the coop with them, even, and all I have to watch for is to make sure she doesn’t get into the FF.

 

[Michellep224]

Her name is Rosie. She's a pointer, rott mix.
So far she is excellent with the chickens, and doesn't pay much attention to them.

 

[PetesChicks]

That’s good that she gets along with the chickens. I’ve read too many posts here about dogs killing & eating chickens, sometimes the flock owner’s own dogs. I have a schnauzer (full size, not mini) living next door, and don’t trust it. I can only free range if I am out in the side yard with the girls.

 

[Michellep224]

Oh, I understand.
I have 5 dogs. The ONLY one I trust with the chickens right now is Rosie, and she's only out with supervision because she's so young.