I want to free range but I'm afraid of halks and dogs.

[Verbon30]

I want to free range but I'm afraid of halks and dogs. I got 3 Ameraucana. I got silkies to but I don't dare let them free range. the hawks are not to much bigger then the Ameraucana so I'm not sure if they would go after them. I think they are red tale hawks. I guess they could fly away from the dogs but I never dare test it.

 

[Hobbits Mommie]

There will always be casualties if you free range, there's no way around it.

 

[Folly's place]

The birds do enjoy being out there, but sooner or later you will have losses to predators; sometimes one bird to a raptor, sometimes many to canines.
Electric fencing can protect the flock from most ground predators, a big help.
Mary

 

[50-45-1]

The hawk will kill your birds no matter what size chickens they are.
Red tails, coopers and sharpshins (three raptors of different size) are most prevelent here. All have killed full size chickens, eaten their fill and returned the next day to kill another.
Keeping chickens is a constant battle, as they have no defences and Everything eats them!
Good luck with your birds!

 

[Gilded Feather]

Like others have said, free ranging comes with its risks. However, if you really want to let your girls have some time outside their run you can definitely let them out while being supervised. You might try letting them have some free range time an hour or so before dark. Just grab a cool drink and a chair and spend some time with your ladies all while keeping a watchful eye.