Free ranging when you know there are predators around

[Pyxie]

How do you all free range when you know there have been predators around or is that just not possible? I've only had my chickens a few days but I really want to give them some free range time, especially since our run is not huge. We want to build onto it eventually, but in the meantime, letting them roam around would be great. The issue is I know we at least have a raccoon around who has already tried to break into the coop once and that was during the day. I'd be really worried he would grab them while they were out in the open. Is there anything I can do to deter this or would I have to give them constant supervision.

 

[hysop]

How old are they? You would need to give them constant supervision at least until they learn to heed a warning. When they’re young they’re pretty oblivious in my opinion. Do you have a rooster?

 

[Pyxie]

They are a year old, but we've only had them since Saturday. We don't have a rooster since they aren't allowed here.

 

[feather13]

That's a hard question. Our beautiful Dominque was killed last month by a raccoon. We lock them up in a secure coop at night, but the raccoon was coming around earlier and earlier. Raccoons are quite strong and persistent and can grab your chickens through any gap in the coop. I think if I were you I'd get a trap of some kind and either have your local ASPCA relocate it or kill it (something I couldn't do, despite being raised in a rural area).

We've also had stray dogs kill chickens during the day. Even though we have a big coop and run, I also like to free range the flock during the day. Since you just got your chickens, I agree with @hysop that you will need to watch them constantly until they get used to your yard and get a bit older.

 

[Howard E]

With nothing to stop them, predators of all stripes will quickly decimate a true free range flock. Wipe them out.....completely.

What works better is to "yard" them, behind an electric fence built for the special purpose of keeping birds in and predators out. Decide how big of a yard area you want to encompass......include plenty of cover options for protection and to make it interesting.... then surround that with a super hot electric fence made from 3 to 4 strands of wire, or hot wire tape or rope. The E fence protects birds by day.....and a tight, predator proof coop protects them at night. Do those two and predator losses will be nominal.

 

[Pyxie]

Thank you! This may be something I need to look into.