new chicks this week....put with broody mom?

[vegaburm]

For years we have had a system. My two neighbors and myself that have dogs would put them inside or in their pens in the late afternoon. then those with birds could allow them out to free range. the only worry was strays. Well, back in March or April a little stray came by, maybe the size of a small beagle, and in one fell swoop he killed 4 of my 8 chickens. My guineas were fine , they took to the trees, but the chickens cannot do that. I've been afraid to let them free range since. One of those things with rural areas, stray dogs can come around at any time. I'd like a perimeter fence, but it would be pretty expensive to do the whole thing.

 

[n8ivetxn]

Fencing is terribly expensive.

I know I take a big chance letting mine out, but I just can't stand the thought of leaving them cooped up in a run 5 days a week. - I think partly because I have more of them now, and 4 different age groups. If I let them out, there is less chance of the younger ones getting abused by the hench-hen!

Good luck with your new little family!