Need some info.....

[16 paws]

I posted earlier on losing my first chicken today to ???? I dont know how she died but can some of the people that free range during the day post about how they avoid their chickens getting killed?
I really want to let them out during the day but I am afraid more will end up dead. We have a fence around the yard but it is a farm fence with wire.About 4x4 opening.
We have dogs but they are inside and too small to be outside.
Please post about how you free range.
I live in CA.
Thanks
Marie

 

[JanetS]

We don't let our chickens free range anymore. We could NOT keep them safe from the bobcats in our area. We expanded their run and we have had no more losses. It was a hard decision to make but our chickens are our pets and we know the bobcats would keep coming back.

 

[Spice Glen Hens]

Free range chickens are always at risk.
To increase their chances, I have my dogs out, and a big rooster that protects the flock, and we only let out the biggest chickens.
They like going out.

A few months ago in the middle of the afternoon I heard a big commotion outside and to my surprise a bobcat was killing one of my gigantic Cukoo Maran hens.
My big rooster was kicking the bobcat.

I had to shoot the bobcat to try to save the hen.

Unfortunatly it had mauled the chicken to death.

We free range every day, but have lost about 3 or 4 a year.

I never let my smaller chickens free range. We have to give those confined to runs extra greens and grit to supplement the diet.
Hawks will scoop the polish and sultans right up.

Spicy

 

[aart]

Advanced search, titles only, free range....do some reading.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Maybe this article that I wrote will help.
keeping-your-chickens-safe-from-predators