Is it safe to let ducks and chickens free range in Northwest Arkansas?

[Isaac 0]

Well, what state are you located? because it completely depends on your preditors. And what about my ducks! will they hide from hawks?

Im in Iowa.I probably have more predators around than you do.Im surrounded by corn fields so there are a lot of hawks.My ducks are fine free ranging.They watch out for predators more than my chickens do.

 

[Isaac 0]

Yes you can free range them. Yes something will eventually kill some. That's just how it works.

Saying something will kill them is a complete assumption.If she/he let them out it wouldn't be completely free ranging since she has full fencing around.Everyone is going to have different experience's free ranging.

 

[SueT]

I live in SW MO and our nemesis has been coyotes. We have free ranged at times, confined at other times, studied countless threads. I am now raising some brown leghorns because they are said to be good at evading predators, but jury is still out on whether we're going to free range again as the other chickens, including bantams, will want out too. Here's a great BYC article on free ranging:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/bees-key-points-to-successful-and-safe-free-ranging.65895/

 

[chickens really]

Saying something will kill them is a complete assumption.If she/he let them out it wouldn't be completely free ranging since she has full fencing around.Everyone is going to have different experience's free ranging.

Well said.... I was going to say the same thing....I have only lost one Bird in years too a Fox......

 

[Ming Ming]

During the day when your home free range them....I only let my Chickens and Ducks out when I am home...

Yes but if I keep them in the same coop and run....but....just look at the measurements of my run...is it big enough? for 3 ducks and 8 bantam chickens

 

[TLWR]

but....just look at the measurements of my run...is it big enough? for 3 ducks and 8 bantam chickens

4x8 for 3 ducks and 8 chickens - no, your pen is not nearly big enough for them to be penned all day.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Saying something will kill them is a complete assumption.If she/he let them out it wouldn't be completely free ranging since she has full fencing around.Everyone is going to have different experience's free ranging.

You're right its an assumption just as you're making an assumption that they will be fine.
You're also correct everyone has their own experiences. And also their own situations. Neither of us know their exact set up or the amount of or kinds of predators in that area.
If you haven't lost any birds then good for you. If you never lose any then great for you. If you want to tell people they're birds will be safe then that's on you.
I have enough experience to know better.


Edit..... I see you and the other poster have both lost a bird to a predator. But yet you still think the OPs birds will be completely safe? Interesting.

 

[Ming Ming]

4x8 for 3 ducks and 8 chickens - no, your pen is not nearly big enough for them to be penned all day.

Well its actually a 4x 12 because the coop is 4 foot high with a ramp

 

[chickens really]

You're right its an assumption just as you're making an assumption that they will be fine.
You're also correct everyone has their own experiences. And also their own situations. Neither of us know their exact set up or the amount of or kinds of predators in that area.
If you haven't lost any birds then good for you. If you never lose any then great for you. If you want to tell people they're birds will be safe then that's on you.
I have enough experience to know better.

This is a silly debate....Scaring someone from letting their Birds out is not fair....If They have a fenced yard and stay with the Birds as they free range then the chances are much lower....I agree things happen but dont agree that we need to be so cautious .....

 

[chickens really]

Well its actually a 4x 12 because the coop is 4 foot high with a ramp

Not big enough for that many Birds....Sorry it just is not....