New to raising chickens... sorta

[WashingtonCowgirl]

We have always had chickens growing up, but I haven't had them for about 8 or so years now. Well... on a trip to the local feed store to by dog food my SO saw the bantams. We brought 7 home, one died the first night but the rest are about 3 weeks now. I THINK that we have 1 buff cochin and 5 OEGB. I want EEs so bad (I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color combos when you mix EEs), and this might be a dumb question, but is there such a thing as bantam EEs? Also, we are getting more (we are addicted, we are getting 15 more on the 27th XD) any tips? We have a coop and want the to be free range in the daytime and in the coop safe and sound at night. It this a good idea?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to this forum.

Glad you are here.

You might go through the Learning Center at the top of the screen. Lots of good info there. Here is a link.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/lcenter.html

Whether or not your idea of free ranging them during the day and locking them up at night works for you will depend on your unique circumstances once they get old enough. If I could, I'd try that, but mine will not stay out of the road. Most predators like raccoons, possums, foxes and coyotes generally are more dangerous between dusk and dawn, but they really can come out at any time, especially if Mama has a bunch of babies to feed. I've seen foxes and coyotes out in the middle of the day here in the last few months. Hawks are a threat during the day and owls more so at night. Dogs are dangerous any time. I keep mine in a somewhat safe run during the day and in a very secure coop at night.

You can expect losses. This does not mean that something will immediately start picking them off, though that might happen. In your circumstances you may lose so many that it becomes impractical to let them free range or it may work for you. My parents never locked their chickens up. The chickens totally free ranged during the day and slept in an unlocked open coop at night. My parents would go years without losing a chicken, then a fox or something would find the flock and have to be dealt with. Once a predator does find an easy meal, rest assured they will be back.

I don't know what your specific risks are. A lot of people do exactly what you are talking about and are very successful. Others try it and it does not work for them.

Good luck!!!