New to this! :)

[bethanyjbarrette]

Hey all! I'm not sure exactly what I should expect when introducing myself, as I'm sure there are new members all the time! I'm Bethany, my husband Trevor and I just moved out of the city and did not waste any time in getting 15 beautiful chickens! We've already lost 2 to a fox, and we are balancing the benefits of free ranging with taking as many measures as possible to keep them safe. I'm in Minnesota!

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello
Welcome to BYC!

 

[N F C]

Hi Bethany, it's nice to have you here. Sorry for your losses, that's the downside to free ranging.

 

[Sammi_0411]

Hey from UK! Welcome to byc xxx

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC Bethany! We're happy to have you with us!

 

[sourland]

Hello, Bethany and Trevor, and welcome to the BYC community. Closely monitored free ranging or a large pen protected by hot wire may be the way to go. The fox will be back.

 

[bethanyjbarrette]

Hello, Bethany and Trevor, and welcome to the BYC community. Closely monitored free ranging or a large pen protected by hot wire may be the way to go. The fox will be back.

Thanks for your response!!

We actually already got and set up an electric netting fence We ordered it the day after the fox attack. The fox pooped right next to it in the middle of the night other night, hahaha! He must have been peeved.

Now I'm focusing on preventative measures for weasels and hawks - I know nothing will be perfect but hoping to at least do everything in my power.

 

[Dr Evy]

Hi Bethany! Welcome to BYC from a fellow Minnesotan! It’s great to meet you!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The poultry netting has served me well for the last 3 years. Just one loss to a hawk.

 

[bethanyjbarrette]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
The poultry netting has served me well for the last 3 years. Just one loss to a hawk.

This is good to know! Do you have pretty good tree cover, or is it open? Trying to determine how vulnerable we are to hawks!