I would like to do the same thing. I have 10 wooded acres and the chickens semi-free range. I would like to build permanent fencing into the woods. Right now when they free range they are often in the tree line scratching in the leaf litter. I imagine that there are quite a few bugs. I also think about the predators--Maybe hawks would be less of a problem in the woods because they dont have room to swoop in like they do in open areas. Not sure if my logic is sound though.
I currently have 1 fenced in area that is 1/2 woods and1/2 grass. They still go to the edge of the woods but dont wander very far into the woods on their own (they will follow us into the woods tho.)
I have 2 dogs who are not outside dogs, but in and out often and who will alert me when they hear something outside. I ask them to range around the chicken area and into the woods every time I take them out (especially at night).
I currently have 1 fenced in area that is 1/2 woods and1/2 grass. They still go to the edge of the woods but dont wander very far into the woods on their own (they will follow us into the woods tho.)
I have 2 dogs who are not outside dogs, but in and out often and who will alert me when they hear something outside. I ask them to range around the chicken area and into the woods every time I take them out (especially at night).