Well we are going to make a chicken yard with net over it but it has to wait till money from taxes. So far eagles have got 9 chickens first they started with the "teenagers" but now they have taken 3 of my 7-8 lb birds. J hate keeping them locked in their coop all the time. We can see where the eagles sit on the edge of our property and keeping the dogs out isn't working so we wait till late in the day to let them out while we are working with the horses so we can keep a watch out. I noticed seagulls flew over the other day and the chickens hauled but to the coop so they seem to be learning to hide. Anyway thanks for all the support.
Maybe some guineas would help as watch birds, they notice everything and sound the alarm readily. Maybe you can find things to put outside for
chickens to hide in or under. Like lawn chairs or picnic benches, barrels, etc. In wild, open spaces they are goners for sure.
We are working on putting in a walking path garden that will span an acre or so but it will take time for the 3 ft hedges we're using as a natural fence to grow. Thank you everyone for tips and help. I am also very sad that my favorite barred rock named Millie either got stepped on or kicked by one of the horses and she has a broken leg. I had one other red that happened to and she healed just fine with barely a limp so I am hoping Millie will heal as well. She amazingly is still laying eggs.
Thanks.drumstick diva, we have opened our small mower shed for them to run into and the bushes and trees we have are just starting to bloom so soon they will have those for hiding places. I also have been keeping the isle way of our barn open, it's 120ft long and i noticed a lot of chicken poop in there so I know they are spending time in there. Usually I am home and I spend almost all day outside so i can watch over them but I just became full time at work so we are trying another persons idea of keeping the dogs out with them and that seems to be working.