Helping free-range birds protect themselves

[Thecowboysgirl]

Tolerable levels of losses is my goal. I may change my mind at some point but for now, I would rather they free range and loose some than keep them locked up all the time. They do have a secure coop (converted horse stall) to stay at night. I will always put them up for the night.

Here in SW Florida we have an abundance of bobcats, coyotes, coons, I suppose even a gator with eat them if there happened to be one in the pond and they ventured too near.

I hope for a broody to hatch her own eggs, if not I'll incubate them. As long as I am raising enough to serve our purposes I can live with a couple getting picked off. What worries me is that I hear people talking about losing their entire flock, or lots of birds all at once.

As for my dog we have a couple of problems, one: he's a really big momma's boy! IT would take some ingenuity to convince him he should stay with the chickens and not come with me when I leave. 2: I don't want him going up against some of what we have down here. Our bobcats are as tall as my smaller German shepherd.

So I'll think it over, but the bottom line for my was is it possible to free range the birds without having the entire flock wiped out- seems like with careful management the answer is yes.

 

[Katydid2011]

We have a lot of hawk activity around our place, so I'm reluctant to let the pullets free-range because they make such easy pickings. I do let our hens free-range. Our property is fully fenced with equine no-climb fencing surrounded by three strand hot wire. It makes a VERY effective barrier. Our new farrier showed up with his dog yesterday and before I could say a word, he allowed it to jump out and it ran straight for our chickens and straight into the hot wire fencing that backs up the fence line that separates the front of our property from the back. He yelped and ran away cowering with his tail between his legs. We'd also seen coyotes and feral cats get zapped. So, the electric fencing combined with the presence of our 120 pound German Shepherd provide GREAT protection from ground predators.

We also have an abundance of birds of prey here. The hens duck and run the moment they hear a hawk screech. Unless they're following us around, which they usually do when we're outside, they're pretty much invisible, except for occasional evidence of dancing shrubs.

I wouldn't let them out in an open area without cover.

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Catastrophic loss (all or most of flock) is what we all want to avoid and much of what is done to prevent only reduces odds of such an event. Making range more complex with you own guard animals are first steps. I even keep breeder penned as backup.

As for bobcats and coyotes; if dog half again as large, then dog will prevail usually without going beyond bluffing stage. Bobcats, despite being tall looking are only about 35 lb as adults so 50 lb dog only has to approach and bobcat will give way. Coyotes in your area also small.

 

[hickchick55]

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Why do some people think it is ok to pull in your driveway and immediately open the door and let the dog out? That is my pet peeve, and I have made some of my dh's friends unhappy by telling them to put the dog back in the vehicle. I should have to put my cats and chickens inside so his dog can run at my house? Keep your dog at home or in the vehicle.