My completed backyard coop

[newchickfl]

They do get free run of the backyard once someone is home. So they free roam about 5 hours a day...we have been having a problem with 3 coopers hawks so that is why i added to the run....I don't let them out when no one is home so i thought they needed more room. We lost our speckled sussex pullet a few weeks ago so i keep them in more.

 

[kellyjeanne]

I'm so worried about that! Sorry that you lost one! I plan to only let them out of the run in a tractor because I'm worried about my dogs, feral dogs, and birds of prey. I have heard barn owls and seen hawks in my area.

 

[newchickfl]

Yea those hawks are fast...i have dogs but they are only allowed out with the girls when i'm outside...never alone...they have never tried but they are dogs so i know better

 

[kellyjeanne]

Mine are pretty small and old (two Bostons - 11 and 7 and a corgi who is 10) and so I think they probably would get pecked by a full grown bird before they got too close - although my boy dog is the youngest and fastest and feistiest - but he is also wall-eyed and his teeth stick out in every direction, so I don't think he'd be able to catch one. That said, there's a feral dog that looks to me like a chow/pitt mix in my neighborhood, who I've never seen in my back yard because I have a 6' stockade, but I think he could probably jump it with enough motivation.

 

[newchickfl]

Yes sometimes a fence is not a deterrent. .. hopefully the dog doesnt try though.

 

[harmesonfarm]

looks great! those lucky chickens!

 

[newchickfl]

thank you and yes they are....spoiled rotten