My name is Heather. I am a retired paramedic. I'm in the process of buying a farm in Waddy, KY. I am super excited to get the farm started with chickens! The farm has a pre existing chicken coop with large fenced (3 sides) in area. What do I need to do before I put new chickens in it?
Oh sorry it is fenced all the way around plus over the top. I was thinking free range during the day and coop at night to protect from coyote and fox. Would that be ok?
Greeting from Kansas, lillybug, and ! Great to have you aboard! I think you will want to make sure the run is predator proof for when they are in it. If it is chicken wire, be advised that it does a great job keeping chickens in but a poor job keeping a coyote or raccoon with an attitude out. I have heard gruesome stories of a raccoon reaching through the holes in chicken wire, hooking a chicken and eating it alive through the wire. What a way to go. Hardware cloth is the better choice. In terms of free ranging...that's a risk/reward deal. Yes, they will have more access to bugs and seeds and weeds, etc. But the coyotes and foxes you mentioned will have more access to them! The Learning Center offers a wealth of informative articles spanning the range of chicken keeping. Here's the link if you are interested: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center And if you'd like to chat with some local chicken peeps, find the KY thread in this link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread
That is what I do. I am building them a run for in the winter though because then I can't slide a motion activated water sprinkler to keep them out of our landscaping in the front yard. I will be using welded wire the kind with 2" x 4" holes/gaps. I have dogs so raccoons and other animals aren't a problem at night. I have to keep her on a leash during the day to keep her from eating them. Lol. And yes, chicken wire won't work.
Hi Heather, it's nice to have you here! Just like so many other things in life, free ranging has it's pros and cons, it's up to each individual to judge if the risk of losing a bird is worth the benefit. Whatever you decide, feel free to ask questions and make yourself at home!
Welcome to BYC! This is THE place to be for anything and everything poultry related... Whether you're looking for help, info, insight, poultry breeders, ideas, or just friends, you've come to the right place! Anyway, great to have ya here! Make it a great day! ~MW
G’Day from down under Heather Welcome! I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
