Fluffy_Butt_Hutt
Chirping
- Jul 20, 2025
- 31
- 34
- 51
Hello, I'm in a high-predator area with at least one major predator stopping by every afternoon! My girls are pets and I love my fluffy bums. Sadly, we've lost three already to a bobcat, who figured out where the grocery store is, who has nabbed one just 6 feet away from me! We got the idea to add a chicken kennel to an area of the grass so they can sort of free-range without being eaten. However, the main issue is that due to our small yard and the placement of the coop, the kennel is a separate to the coop. Currently, I wait at the far side of the coop run with my arms open and if they walk in to my arms I bring them to the kennel. They get a minimum of 3 hours out with available food and water. If they start pacing back and forth on the side with the coop, I let that one back. Our girls have just started to lay. I'm wondering if I should continue this? I don't grab them if they're in/under the coop, but I'm wondering if they go broody should I stop this behavior all-together? None of them have laid while in the kennel yet, but these girls are just figuring it out! Also, should I add a laying box to the kennel? Should I raise it up?
Additionally, if they do go broody, should I force them in to the kennel by grabbing them? Is this wrong?
Additionally, if they do go broody, should I force them in to the kennel by grabbing them? Is this wrong?