How much supervision for a free range flock

[4 the Birds]

A good perimeter range fence will go a long way with keeping predators at bay. Having said that.... some dogs and predators can scale a fence or dig. You can run an electric wire at your fence which will increase your odds. We free range 40 chickens full time within an acre area surrounded by 4' high no climb fence and a strand of barb wire at the top. We have 7 dogs on our property and one is a fence climber. She is use to the chickens and will not climb to go after a chicken but she has scaled fencing to go after deer before. Never had a loss to any predators even though we do have coyotes and hawks in the area. As mentioned.... You run the risk when you free range but it can be done with things to increase your odds (hiding places in the range, a rooster, decoy owls, watch dogs, electric fencing, etc..)

Hope this helps!

 

[carladababe]

I have on occasion left my flock free ranging while I went to the store but if I'm working(12 hours,) they stay in the run safe and sound. I also have a chicken tractor that I have left them in for a couple hours but never really unattended. They are almost three now and have not lost a one to predators but I'm fully aware it can happen. When I first let them free range I was so anxious that I would stand with them, hands on my hips scanning the sky for hawks, now I'm more relaxed, but not overly so. I rather err on the side of letting my chickens be chickens and free range them, pray for strength if bad happens.

 

[SunnySkies]

Mine free range all day, every day. But we have LGDs specifically to keep them safe and it has worked. Haven't lost a bird to a predator since the dogs arrived.

 

[ChickenCurt]

I recommend, like some above;
perimeter fencing- portable electric bird fencing if able for mobility around the acreage
a good flock protecting dog
a pair of geese if hawks or eagles are an issue
good luck