Keeping Chickens Free Range

[Tikkijane]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/
[IMG]https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/7467341/width/200/height/400id/7467337/width/200/height/400[/IMG]

 

[Tikkijane]

If I were my friend, that Chihuahua would have been gone ages ago (never would have come home in the first place really). He's bitten one of her children and gets really bossy with the other two dogs in addition to how awful he is with the chickens. I had a rescue Westie who was 8,5 years old when he came to us. The first time he met my flock (on opposite sides of the fencing), one hen flapped her wings and it terrified him. He ran back to the front porch and hid under the bench until I went back in the house. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect introduction. When they all got to be out together, my Olive Egger was so enamored with the Westie that she followed him everywhere he went. He used to hide UNDER my newfie and peak out to see if she was still there. He eventually stopped being afraid of them but never went after them...just cleaned up behind them which was gross but a big step up from what he was eating in the home he came from.

 

[Tikkijane]

But you have to think is it YOUR right to eliminate them?

If they are threatening my livestock? Yes. I'm not going to go hunting for them, but on my acreage- yes.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

But you have to think is it YOUR right to eliminate them?

If they are threatening my livestock? Yes. I'm not going to go hunting for them, but on my acreage- yes.

Nobody, even once, suggested you should not kill something stalking you animals.
I think the point has been beat to death...one side is looking at the big picture, the other is only arguing about something that comes into your yard. Both sides agree with each other, but because we are talking in different scales, are arguing.
On an amusing side note, while I do feel predators are incredibly important, I actually do go out and hunt them (not me personally we either allow trappers on our land, or when fur prices are down pay a kid) to help keep the population down. But we have much more land then most of you, and are just trying to keep it responsibly managed.

 

[Mccluckers]

Nobody, even once, suggested you should not kill something stalking you animals.
I think the point has been beat to death...one side is looking at the big picture, the other is only arguing about something that comes into your yard. Both sides agree with each other, but because we are talking in different scales, are arguing.
On an amusing side note, while I do feel predators are incredibly important, I actually do go out and hunt them (not me personally we either allow trappers on our land, or when fur prices are down pay a kid) to help keep the population down. But we have much more land then most of you, and are just trying to keep it responsibly managed.

I agree, there has to be a balance and i think we should leave it at that!

 

[LittleChicken23]

If you want alerting- you want roosters.

I second that- roosters are really good at alerting the hens to danger. My roo's 3 week old son is already keeping and eye on the sky

 

[vpatt]

I stayed out with my chickens all day yesterday because i heard a fox barking early on. I didnt see him, tho.

 

[gander007]

Quote:
I believe you and I am sure you feed your cats regularly where as these people just acquire these cats and toss them out to fend for them selves .

 

[Tikkijane]

I believe you and I am sure you feed your cats regularly where as these people just acquire these cats and toss them out to fend for them selves .  

Maybe so. They do a great job of keeping mice, moles, and voles in check. Chasing squirrels and small birds is just gravy.

 

[MrsKuhn]

I want to free range my chickens, I have been letting them out for a few hours before sunset to make sure that they return to their coop and tuck themselves in ( which they do ) they do great at sticking together. I would love to allow them to free range most of the day but am fearful of loosing a chicken or more. Does anyone clip on wing on their chickens to keep them from hopping the fence but still allowing them enough flight to getaway from a predator?

what are your tips for allowing most of the day free range without worry. We live in the country with 2 acres and I just want to have the peace of mind that if I run to town they are going to still be at home with the goats.