Hello! Newbie from North Texas! Help!

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Texan Chicky

Texan Chicky

Hatching
7 Years
Mar 12, 2012
7
0
7
Hello,
My husband, 10 year old daughter and I are moving into rural Texas country in a couple months and we're acquiring approx 10 acres. This will be a lifestyle change and I cannot wait! I've been dreaming of this! I am going to have Chickens for sure! But (don't laugh) I do not want to kill them! Eating the eggs okay, but basically they'll be pets and used for alarm clocks and egg suppliers. Do any of you let them free range? I've been reading about so many predators, do you have to keep them fenced in? Would love if they could just hang out around the house, barn where ever they want. I also saw dogs are an issue. No dogs around except our Blue Heelers, but they're super smart and well trained, only 7 months.

Thanks for your advice, I'm going to have a million questions in the future!

Thanks!
Caroline
 
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Many people on here free range but with free ranging does carry the risk of loss to numerous predators.
 
Welcome to BYC. A good rooster will warn and protect your flock. He may even sacrifice himself for the safety of the hens. A pen and coop is a good idea for their safety, especially at night.
 
Hi and :welcome from Ohio. So glad you joined. I have yet to let my new birds free range, something I would love to do, but we have some many hawks all the time, that I have to keep them in their covered pen or they will definitely will be killed. I learned from experience. :(
 


As was mentioned, many people do free range, but there is always risk with this. If you free range, ensure they have "safe" areas (bushes, things to hide under) and some "buffer" from likely predators. Also, don't leave the coop open at night or you might as well write them off.
 

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