I'm happy but a little sad

[ChickInDelight]

Do let us know if they come back! Perhaps they are gone walk-about.

I am a HUGE advocate of free-ranging. I realize the risks. I have lost 2 ducks myself - one to a snapping turtle and one to a fox. My 4 chickens, however, are doing great.

People eat chickens. Animals eat chickens. Tis the life of a chicken.

I still believe a short life of freedom is so much better than a long life of imprionment. Everyone keeps their pets and livestock according to their own values. Don't let this setback disturb you.

What you really need are more chickens!

 

[turbodog]

I'm usually out in the yard somewhere when I let my girls out, but I'm doing chores and not watching them constantly.
I know I'll be furious if something gets at them, but I also know ya takes your chances with free ranging.

Good luck!

 

[MoonAngel12]

Quote:
More chickens was my philosophy, too!

My #1 reason for getting more this spring was so that I could let them free range without being as concerned if I lost a couple (I only had 5, just added 5 more, and will likely add more next year - I think I am getting this whole chicken math thing figured out!

There are so many beautiful breeds that I would love to see walking around our back yard).

 

[chicmom]

Hello!

I free range my chickens too. I seem to lose about one a year to some unknown predator, that I think is probably a hawk. Our property is surrounded by woods, and the chickens just love it!

There is definitely a risk you take with predators when you free range, but I really think my chickens enjoy their quality of life much more than when they're penned up. And truthfully, I don't enjoy looking at them when they're in their runs, penned up and just pacing......

Everybody's circumstances are different though.....I have nothing against those who keep their chickens locked up all the time.

Now, in your case, 4 Love, since you lost three in one morning, I think you might consider either ranging them supervised, or waiting until they are large fowl sized to let them free range unsupervised. The reason I say this is that, I've never lost an adult hen yet. It's always been the smaller cockerels or pullets that have been taken.

You might have alot more predators around your place to deal with than I do. Observation often helps. I usually only see hawks in the morning hours, so I just wait until after 3pm to let them out.

Good luck and keep your chickies locked up for a while. I think that predator will be back for another easy meal.....Try again in a week or so.....That's what I'd do!

Sharon

 

[ryan820]

I feel napping and age have very little to do with one another. I mean, people this day and age rarely live stable, peaceful lives and so naps are a respite from the every day exhaustion. So for you taking a nap, don't feel badly about that. Just because someone is older doesnt mean you shouldn't nap. Sleep is restorative, not being lazy!

Ok I'll get off my soapbox now. It's just that as someone who suffers a health condition, I get and understand and appreciate the power of sleeping and naps, despite the demands life places on me. Americans are not rested well enough and we are paying for it with our health.

Ok re your chickens...that stinks! If you are unable to keep an eye on things I encourage you to build a large run for them if you can. Mine free range right now but I lost my flock while they free ranged and had to start over. I was pretty affected by the experience. Also, I got a rooster. Hes pathetic in terms of being a manly rooster lol but he does protect the girls enough to get them to safety when he perceives danger. They still free range but I put them away when I'm leaving home or will occupied long enough that I ant take a peek on them now and then. I will be building a large run for them though, so they can have more room, as life is very busy for me and I can't always let them out.


Best of luck!

 

[bobbi-j]

For what it's worth, I free range my chickens all day. I get up, let them out, go about my day, put them in at night. I don't have time to babysit them all day, either. I even take naps sometimes! (I'm alot older than you, though.) My chickens are not by the house, and I can't see them from the window. The point is, when you free range, you take a chance. But you stated earlier that you're well aware of that. Keeping them locked up isn't fool-proof, either. How many times have you read on this forum that a weasel, rat, raccoon, snake, possum or some other critter got into someone's coop and killed their chickens or ate their eggs. Let's face it - chickens are pretty much the bottom of the food chain. If something can get at them, they will get killed. Enjoy your free-ranged chickens, and take a nap when you need it. You work hard and deserve one now and then!

 

[Ole rooster]

Mercy folks. The populous is so much more sensitive than when I was coming up. If anyone would take the time to read between the lines, I'm saying don't go to sleep with the chickens out unless you know they're protected. Lesson learned. We all learn something new everyday. If not, your not paying attention. I take naps too, but I'm old enough to say I need um. But then I get up at 4 so my days are a little long too. Oh, and I'm 68 in a few weeks.

 

[mommissan]

Quote:
Sensitive.... maybe. everyone has different lifestyles and even at a youthful 40, I indulge in a nap, in my lawn chair while "watching" my chicks when they are free-ranging. I also know that we were all young once and learn as we go. In my opinion, no chicken is ever 100% safe. And, if it is, chances are, it isn't 100% happy.

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

Quote:
Sensitive.... maybe. everyone has different lifestyles and even at a youthful 40, I indulge in a nap, in my lawn chair while "watching" my chicks when they are free-ranging. I also know that we were all young once and learn as we go. In my opinion, no chicken is ever 100% safe. And, if it is, chances are, it isn't 100% happy.

X2

 

[chicken 86]

They might have gotten lost and roosted in the trees. Don't know what kind of trees you have, if they could get up in them. They might have also roosted in a bush or something.