I would like for my chicks to be free but I'm araid of them getting caught by hawks when I am not ar

[RIRdre99]

I have 21 chicks that love to be outside of their coop what should I do?

 

[iwiw60]

That depends on a lot of things. Are you home to 'supervise' when they are out free-ranging? Do you have a predator problem where you live? Where DO you live? If you have a problem with predators the only true solution is to build a chicken run off the coop. Me personally? I have predators...all kinds and types...my girls are more important to me than to allow them to free-range because it is the "natural thing to do". But each to his own!

 

[RIRdre99]

I'm located in South GA and only one daytime predtor (hawks). I was wondering if dogs were outside could their presence prevent a hawk diving in?

 

[iwiw60]

I'm located in South GA and only one daytime predtor (hawks). I was wondering if dogs were outside could their presence prevent a hawk diving in?

Well, you probably already know what I'm going to say. See, I'm not a fan of free-ranging, mainly because I've seen too many flocks dessimated by hawks, raccoons, weasels, coyotes, badgers, the list goes on. My girls have a roomy run attached to their coop and that's where they'll stay. I don't ever want to go out to the coop to find all of them dead and torn apart.

So the decision is really up to you...wishing you all the very best!!

 

[centrarchid]

Dogs outside can do it.
Predator must think dog can get them if going after chick. I free-range all my young birds. General strategy against hawks is to have adult rooster nearby. I also use dogs. My flock is self-sustaining so a good measure it works.

 

[RIRdre99]

Thank you for both for your inputs they've been really helpful and I will definitely consider pros and cons before doing anything

 

[Traphill]

I let mine out to free range everyday, if its on the weekend they get to be out around 4 hrs and work days around 2 hrs. They so look forward to it and it helps if you have any picking issues. I am lucky I have not had any predator issues., my property is fenced and the dogs due their part and patrol the yard regularly .