My Flock Journey 2.0

[ClucksAndCombs]

No more Free Ranging!
I have been in and out of the house today checking on the chickens. I heard nothing no noise no nothing. They had been good all day then I thought ill put them away early before it gets too late. Guess what? No Licorice shes gone!!!!
I can't believe this. No feathers either.
Im failing as a chicken mum now.

Oh no! I'm so sorry!

 

[KLIL]

You typically want about 1 sq Meter per bird for a run or a portable tractor. You might also try portable electronet fencing like the stuff I use. I know they have it in Australia but not sure where.

Can foxes jump it? Has it ever?

 

[KLIL]

Im so angry at myself for letting them out today

 

[rjohns39]

I'm sure they can, but generally won't. They sniff it to see what it is, get shocked on the nose and decide to leave it be. When mine got grounded out in a storm, they were definitely inside, so the trick is to make sure it's always hot when using it.

 

[rjohns39]

Im so angry at myself for letting them out today

Don't be This is an unfortunate part of this world. I lost one out of my front yard yesterday to either a fox or coyote. Never made a sound, but was just outside my office window. Took the bird and left.

 

[KLIL]

I'm sure they can, but generally won't. They sniff it to see what it is, get shocked on the nose and decide to leave it be. When mine got grounded out in a storm, they were definitely inside, so the trick is to make sure it's always hot when using it.

Ohhh yes. I think I should look at a permanent coop. When its really hot here be have afternoon storms alot so that might be an issue.

 

[rjohns39]

As long as you can keep it away from metal objects that are in the ground it's fine. I have a power pole with a guide wire and the run-off from the rain pushed the fence up against it. I just added another pole and pulled it away to fix it.

 

[WhoDatChick]

I’m so sad to hear about your Licorice
This why I won’t let mine free range... I want to let them SO badly but I’m too afraid. My very protected run is 12x12... I know that is enough room for them but I feel bad for them all cooped up all the time so I keep coming up with what to do.. what type of fencing, what will be the most cost friendly, and quickest... because I want to make it a very big yard... but I still haven’t decided on what yet. I can’t decide what’s best.... for me.
Our pastor has chickens and ducks and I believe that he has the same type of electric fencing that @rjohns39 has and his ducks stay out all the time, day and night and nothing ever gets to them .... so maybe that would be a good option cuz I know that would be the quickest to put up to let them finally out!

Btw, I’m almost finished with the girls room

 

[KLIL]

On a positive note today
Hazel had an amazing egg nice and large and an amazing colour so that made me smile.

They are no longer free range chickens.

 

[pallas]

Aw sad but ultimately they will be safer ,
Congrats on the awesome egg though !