Free Rangers wont Range

[CamasMom]

I too agree with Flyman. We were losing one chicken every 2-3 weeks until we locked ours up. They've been locked up for probably 5-6 months, and we still see coyotes once a week just to see if they might be out. When we're outside with the chickens, it's not a problem. But for some reason, mid-morning and mid-afternoon seem to be the worst times. Don't ask me, I thought the stinking blankedy-blank creatures were only supposed to come out at night, but they don't here!

 

[HewittD]

I'm going to build them an enclosed, fortified run tomorrow that they'll have access to from their coop. I figure I'll just keep them in there, then let them go in the backyard when they get bigger. I don't imagine much is going to bother them in my urban back yard when they're full grown. Has anyone had owls and hawks get their full grown chickens? The man I bought them from said he's never had problems with hawks and owls before with his full grown girls.

-Dylan

 

[wynedot55]

give her time an she will go out again.chickens remember attacks.an it takes them a while to get over them.an when they do theyll start freeranging again.

 

[CarlaRiggs]

Dylan,

It may help your little flock if you put other things that they can be under while they begin to explor the backyard. Perhaps you can set up a few bushy branches over a couple of boards, or an old chair. Anything that will help the girls feel more secure would be helpful.
I would also put some tempting food about....

But I'd be very careful about predators.

Good luck, and remember that they are just babies.