Hi from the Arkansas Ozarks

[slipshift]

We have been raising chickens off and on for the last 20 years. They are free range for tick control but we have a big problem with predators. Our favorite chickens are the Speckled Sussex, very independent and like to fend for themselves. We have 15 in the brooder right now, 2 weeks old and starting to fly. There is a 2 foot cardboard ring around them and they can almost reach the top. Within the week they might be ready to be transferred to the pen. It's really amusing when they see the sky for the first time. Enough rambling, just wanted to say hello everyone!

Jim

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, Jim, and

! Pleased you joined us! You live in a beautiful part of America! Good luck to you and your flock - watch out for those predators!!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

sounds like you need a livestock guardian dog to deal with your predators. I don't know what else would help for free range birds

 

[slipshift]

We do have 5 dogs but with the new chicks we have to keep the gate to the pen closed. When they become adults we keep the gate open so the dogs are able to get in. We had a pretty good system going for several years. The dogs were allowed to eat any eggs they found in the woods but not from the pen. This ensured that when the chickens were wandering in the woods there would always be at least one dog with them. This plan fell apart when the beagle started stealing eggs from the pen. Oh well....

Jim

 

[Prettypuddles]

Welcome!
I also have 15 in the brooder, still in the house. Coop is 98% done.

 

[CedarAcres]

Hello Jim! Welcome to BYC!

I love speckled sussex also.. and they're pretty! Good luck to you!

 

[liz9910]