free-ranging after a predator attack

[pdxchristine]

I've been letting my 3 girls free-range in my back yard during the day for several weeks now. Somehow in between 2:30pm and 5:30pm something attacked my favorite hen and only left feathers and a few entrails under a low hanging tree.

She was the leader of the group, so now the other 2 are a little lost. I'm also hesitant to put them out in the yard again, knowing that something is out there and will kill in broad daylight.

WWYD?

 

[Vedwards]

I would not put them out there unsupervised that's for sure. Sorry about your loss.

 

[americana-lover]

I have had a hawk sit in my tree and watch my chickens free range before, one let out a loud screech, and luckily my window was open so i heard it and came running out to scare the hawk away. My girls were about a yr old, so all they did was duck under a tree and stay still. I still let my girls free range, but I actually stay outside with them. I suggest thats what you should do, or dont let them free range anymore. Sorry about your loss

 

[docsmullins]

Mine free ranged during the day too, until a fox got 3 of my 4. The one left was terrified, and actually happy when we brought home 4 new younger pullets. Sadly Mr. Fox got over a temporary pen and got all 5 remaining chickens. So we will be building a secure run and only let them free range when we are outside.

 

[4 the Birds]

A yard dog or dogs are nice to have and keep a watchful eye. Our dogs will spot a bicyclist on the road a quarter mile away and bard. Our shepherd also bards at hawks circling up high. We keep the chickens fenced in a free range area or the dogs would go after them as well! Some people have successfully placed dogs with chickens as guards. Our goats are with the chickens and help watch for intruders.