Hi guys!
I've been reading through the forums, but there is -so- much information to read through and opinions seem to shift and alter as the months pass and people try new things.
I'm planning on my very first flock next year and I am interested in free-ranging, however I work in the city (an hour away from where I'll likely be moving to). Being out in the country means a variety of regulards: Coyote, Racoons, red and grey foxes, black bears, moose, deer, hawks *breath* aaand so much more; Saskatchewan is rife with wildlife. I would like to free range them, though the coop on the property isn't mobile.
Theres a lady on my drive to work who drives out every morning around the same time after letting her 6-9 chickens and 2 roosters out. She is just shooing them in by the time we drive by 8 hours later. I know she works down the road from me, her truck is not mistakable... a large vinyl on the side with 5 cats that says "just me and my girls." I suppose my question is, is she just lucky the chickens haven't gotten knabbed, or are the roosters protecting the hens? I wasn't intending on getting roosters for fear of ending up with a cock fight breaking out between them, but if they are that protective, I will definitely consider it.
I suppose where I'm going with this is how long alone is too long alone in your opinion and why? Also, is there an easy portable... cage for lack of a better word, that can be built and flopped down before leaving in the morning, or would that be like putting a silver platter out for predators?
I hope this post makes sense and that people can see where I'm going with this. I'm great at muddling things up
.
Thanks everyone, incase I cant keep up.
I've been reading through the forums, but there is -so- much information to read through and opinions seem to shift and alter as the months pass and people try new things.
I'm planning on my very first flock next year and I am interested in free-ranging, however I work in the city (an hour away from where I'll likely be moving to). Being out in the country means a variety of regulards: Coyote, Racoons, red and grey foxes, black bears, moose, deer, hawks *breath* aaand so much more; Saskatchewan is rife with wildlife. I would like to free range them, though the coop on the property isn't mobile.
Theres a lady on my drive to work who drives out every morning around the same time after letting her 6-9 chickens and 2 roosters out. She is just shooing them in by the time we drive by 8 hours later. I know she works down the road from me, her truck is not mistakable... a large vinyl on the side with 5 cats that says "just me and my girls." I suppose my question is, is she just lucky the chickens haven't gotten knabbed, or are the roosters protecting the hens? I wasn't intending on getting roosters for fear of ending up with a cock fight breaking out between them, but if they are that protective, I will definitely consider it.
I suppose where I'm going with this is how long alone is too long alone in your opinion and why? Also, is there an easy portable... cage for lack of a better word, that can be built and flopped down before leaving in the morning, or would that be like putting a silver platter out for predators?
I hope this post makes sense and that people can see where I'm going with this. I'm great at muddling things up

Thanks everyone, incase I cant keep up.