I'd like you alls support on this.

[Sgsf]

Recently, two of my roosters have been fighting, and my dad has purchased even more chickens for me to take care of (I'm not mad, I'm actually glad, because get got three new silkies with the two we currently have (grown up), and ducks!). We recently expanded the coop, but with this many addition of chickens, I don't think they would like having 4 new chickens and 2 ducks introduced to their coop, and getting crowded. So, my dad proposed the idea of having some of the already grown-up hens released as free-range.

I have ALWAYS wanted free-range chickens, I thought it would be amazingly neat. But, I have the following questions you guys could hopefully answer:

If I were to release some of my hens, they would be free-range! But, one of my neighbor's dogs loves to come over. She is a really nice and playful dog. But she's tried to attack my chickens before, and the result was a success. But, the rooster was young, and now he is full-grown (but he is a very small rooster), and he can fly pretty darn well. Can the rooster easily escape the dog? She is a big dog, so I'm a little nervous letting my chickens go. I know she would try to attack them.

The two roosters that have been fighting, can't be separated for much longer, as I need to take my new baby chickens out of the box and place them somewhere they can actually have a large area to run around and enjoy. If I release one of my Roosters, would he run away? Right behind the coop is a vast area of woods. I mean, he would have to come back for feed/food, right?

I may also release a few hens of mine. They are two EEs, fairly large. Could they escape a big sized dog? And would they run away? Right behind the coop is a vast area of woods. They would have to come back for feed, right?

Answering any of these questions would be greatly helpful. Also, does it depend on what type of chicken my rooster is when it comes to getting away from a big dog? My only option then would be to scare of the dog, but she could always return when I'm not looking or aware of it.

 

[Break an Egg]

I wouldn't trust the chickens to get away, I would talk to the neighbor, because it's their responsibility that they keep their dog on their property.

 

[Domestic_goddess]

I wouldn't trust the nieghbors dog...be very careful...there many other dangers, hawks, racoons..ect. I let mine free-range during the day and then I lock them in the coop at night. I'm not sure what exactly your asking, I hope you wouldn't just release them and let them fend for themselves and never let them in the coop at night!

 

[Watermelon_Gypsy]

Quote:
I agree with this. And if he does get in your yard I'd call animal control. Not sure about the rooster leaving & coming back - I think it would be nice to have some free range chickens too, but like you I worry about dogs - we have a lot of irresponsible neighbors in our area so ours will be in a coop.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

I think you may be fighting a losing battle with a large dog Are the trees low so hey could fly up easily-- branches 3-4 ft from the ground? And if there are woods, are there also owls and raccoons? You still need to lock up everyone at night to protect them.
It sounds like you are pretty friendly with that dog. Would it listen to you if you trained it not to go after the chickens? You really need to talk to the neighbors about it and have it kept home or trained against chickens.
Your roosters are fighting because it's the season that roos fight. He isnt' going to run away, but he might explore the woods more than you want him to. Generally they stay within 200 ft of the coop but if they are comfortable, they roam farther.
If your only alternative is to have them free range, make sure there is a safe escape place for them to fly to if danger arrives.

 

[The Funky Chicken Dunce]

If you already have a big dog living close by that you know goes after chickens, I would say they are probably dead meat the moment he sees them when you're not around, unfortunately. Whatever you decide, DON'T leave them out all night alone! When they are sleeping anything that wants them has only to come grab them they won't know what hit them. If I were you I would construct at least a simple run instead, or look maybe find a used dog kennel, like the 6 by 10 size. No rooster can protect against a large dog or any other predator that has a taste for chicken.

 

[lady feathers]

Free-ranging can be a great thing, but I coop mine at night... I wouldn't do it with a dog that attacks though! Maybe your dad can chip in for more run supplies.

 

[craziechick]

I wouldn't chance it either. I had an issue with a neighbors dog a while back and I live back in the woods. This dog got out of his kennel and was enjoying a stroll but ended up in my yard a few acres from his home. He didn't do any damage but I was home and immediately chased him off. My chickens free range since they were young but they are locked up at night for safety. Good luck, hope it all works out for you!

 

[Sgsf]

So, what you all are telling me, is that I can never have free range chickens?

This is a great idea ruined.

 

[craziechick]

well no one is saying you can't! That is entirely up to you we are just giving our opinions like you asked us to. If you think your chicks can go up against a big dog then have at it!