Free Range

[Jujano3m]

I've had a small flock of hens for several years now. Up do this point we've only had hens for eggs, but we are the process of building a small farm and want to increase our flock and start hatching our own chicks, for both meat and eggs. The farm is surrounded by woods. The woods contain owls, hawks, and other predators. Are roosters on their own able to protect the hens and eggs or should we look at keeping coops and runs to protect them?

 

[bobbi-j]

No - a rooster alone is not able to keep your hens safe. Mostly, he's a speed bump for the predators. He'll slow them down as he'll probably get eaten first. A rooster is a good alarm system as they tend to be more alert, but most roosters can't take on and win against a hawk, coyote, fox, dog or other predator. I have coops with attached runs for my chickens. They free range during the day, and are cooped at night. When we are gone for any length of time (as in days), they are kept in the coop/run. They are also kept locked up if we are having predator problems. Usually a couple of weeks and whatever has been bothering them gives up and moves on. Oh - and when family comes and brings their dogs. Having a coop and run is very helpful in keeping your birds safe.

 

[Mrs. K]

I too, free range quite often, and I too have had my share of losses. I have all kinds of predators.

I will say that a year old rooster greatly reduces my daytime losses. Until a rooster is a year old, they really are not ready for the responsibility of the flock. However, even so, predators often win.

I too have a completely enclosed coop/run that my flock will fit into. For the same reasons that Bobbie-j state. When you do get hit, then lock them up for a few days.

I also tend to vary my routine, sometimes they are let out to free range at 7:00, sometimes later, sometimes not till late afternoon, sometimes not at all.

Interestingly enough, I have a broody hen, and I have noticed that the rooster comes back around just kind of checking on her.

Mrs K