I keep 2 flocks of Brahmas. One is made up of the growing pullets we hatch twice a year. I keep them in a typical coop/run setup until they are 4-6mos. At which time they are either butchered or big enough to join the adults. Their run is 8' x 32' with 7ft 2"x4" welded wire "walls." The top is covered by 1" poultry wire. Poultry wire btw is good for keeping chickens in but useless to keep predators out, except aerial predators. Their coops are (2) 4'x8' stacked (one on top of the other).Mtnboomer! That was a lot of information, Thank You!! Can I ask what kind of coop you have?? would you share pictures?? And you free range? Or did I misunderstand? What does your run look like? I can hardly wait for spring. I have 2 dogs, A Golden Retriever who makes a lot of noise, and a Husky we rescued 1.5 years ago. She was abused, and is still finding her way, but milestones have been made with her. However, that being said, the 2nd day I had the chickens, she got to me and them before I knew it, we lost a hen to her clutches!! I was devastated, felt so bad.
I don't really know how to safely allow the dogs around the birds. But they do see them all the time as the coop is right outside of the backyard fencing, trust me,, my Husky keeps a watchful eye on them, unfortunately I don't think it's to keep them safe but more to see when she can make a mad dash out!! Sooo, I have to keep the dogs locked up when I go out to clean coop and sometimes when feeding.
I don't have fox, but we do have the occasional raccoon and coyote, in fact I saw 2 about a week or so ago when I was leaving my house across the drive and in the neighbors yard. So I know they are around. My Golden alerts me all the time, even when the deer are present.
We are in Sagle Idaho and as you know from my posts, this is 1st time owning chickens, and I inherited them due to my oldest daughter recently going threw divorce. We were planning on chickens anyway, just happened sooner than what was planned. It happens, right?
Anyway, thank you again for your input, I have to get some shut eye, babysitting grandkids in the morning, I'll need my energy
The 2nd is the adult flock that is 100% free range. They have access to our whole property but rarely leave the 1 ac mowed yard except to wander only a few yards deep into the woods to scratch in the leaves. Their coop is elevated 32" off the ground to prevent most predators. I have had some acrobatic raccoons try to get in and some 6-7' (250-325lb) curious black bears try but without success.
We also have coyotes, bobcats, 2 species of fox, opossum, raccoons, skunks, owls, and hawks. Everything the appalachians produce that would like a chicken dinner. Elevating the coop eliminated almost all of these.
I will take some photos for you if you want when it gets daylight. Its nothing special, just strong and functional creations of my own design and built mostly with repurposed or salvaged materials.
