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

[Isaac 0]

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 .....

x2

Free range birds=Happy birds.

If chickens could talk im sure they would want to free range.

 

[Ming Ming]

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 has both lost a bird to a predator. But yet you still think the OPs birds will be completely safe? Interesting.

well, I live in a structured neighborhood with lots of bushes and shrubs in my fenced in back yard. And I'm live trapping all the animals I can and letting them go very very far away. What could kill them then?

 

[chickens really]

We all need quality of life in order to thrive...Bigger housing is needed and room to roam and do what is natural for all birds involved....

 

[Isaac 0]

Just curious how big is your backyard?

 

[Ming Ming]

okay, well then I have no choice really....you said If I'm out there with them...so do I leave them in the run until I can be? and you said it was not big enough

 

[Ming Ming]

m

Just curious how big is your backyard?

maybe an ancre

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I live in a subdivision surrounded by woods and farmland. We can hear the coyotes at night and have seen them a block away. As a result, my ducks are locked in a covered pen from dusk to dawn. During the day though, they free range in a 15 x 50 ft garden area until I get home and then they get the whole fenced yard (only because if they are out when I am not home they prefer my swimming pool). I think the risk is worth it. They are healthier getting to catch bugs, find worms, and eat dandelions and crabgrass they find in the lawn. The predator I worry the most about is hawks which fly over frequently. My neighbor put up two purple Martin houses this summer and I have seen those Martins chase off Cooper and Redtailed hawks. Their squawking at danger also helps alert my birds to hide. I say all this to say, yes, it is a gamble, but for the last year and a half all has gone well. Give those babies some room to move and consider putting up some Martin houses.

 

[chickens really]

Build another Pen and House for your Ducks....I would...I have a Chicken Coop and Run just for my Chickens...Then two more Pens and Houses for Ducks....

 

[Ming Ming]

I live in a subdivision surrounded by woods and farmland. We can hear the coyotes at night and have seen them a block away. As a result, my ducks are locked in a covered pen from dusk to dawn. During the day though, they free range in a 15 x 50 ft garden area until I get home and then they get the whole fenced yard (only because if they are out when I am not home they prefer my swimming pool). I think the risk is worth it. They are healthier getting to catch bugs, find worms, and eat dandelions and crabgrass they find in the lawn. The predator I worry the most about is hawks which fly over frequently. My neighbor put up two purple Martin houses this summer and I have seen those Martins chase off Cooper and Redtailed hawks. Their squawking at danger also helps alert my birds to hide. I say all this to say, yes, it is a gamble, but for the last year and a half all has gone well. Give those babies some room to move and consider putting up some Martin houses.

]



How do I know martins will move in?

 

[SueT]

There is no guarantee one way or another. I know 2 different people whose coops were torn into by dogs. Their chickens had no escape but would have had a better chance free range. During several months of confinement, one of my hens died of illness, perhaps it wouldn't have happened in the healthier free range environment...
If I had a tiny coop like you, I'd just let them out and trust the Universe. You'll have happier birds, healthier eggs and all kinds of interesting experiences to share...
Good luck!!