Pasturing Precautions and Ideas?

[SusanRenee]

I'm finally ready to start letting my chickens out into the pasture, I've just been a little nervous about it. My plan is to do so only when I am home so I can manage it. I am going to build a secure access tunnel tomorrow through my garden to the pasture, of course the pasture is kittycorner to the coop/run making this a bit more of a project! It will have some sort of hatch/door that can be opened and shut to allow access.

It's compleatly fenced, and will be shared with my four angora goats and my guard llama. We also have our Vizlsla who can't get into the pasture (she's tried, no luck yet, she's super respectful of fences) but does have the full area around the pasture free to her. So hopefully I won't have a stray dog issue, which is the only daytime predetor I am worried about execpt for hawks, which we do have. I have't seen the hawks come down in the pasture since the goats and llama came in, but then there hasn't been anything tempting in there. Thankfully, no coons or snakes or such that we've ever seen. One cougar attack at our neighboors 5 years ago but nothing since. Not even gonna attempt to stop a cougar. One of our neighbors cats is sneaking in somehow, that's why my first project is to double check all of the fencing, it's the smaller rectangle field fencing, 4 feet high. A cat shouldn't be able to get through.... No one is under 12 weeks, so I don't think anyone can get through unless I can't find that hole. I don't want them just free ranging around the property as we are right on the dirt road and only a bit off the highway. I don't think the coffe hut next door would appriecate chickens in the planters!!

Would a few little shelters scattered about be appropriate in case of a hawk? The pasture is about an acre, so it's a bit of a run back to the coop in case of danger. Both of the goat shelters (I have a goat in his own space, dominance issue.... ) are on the coop end of course. Would four short legs and a roof work? I do have a full grown roo and three cockerels to assist in protection.

Any other thoughts and suggestions would be great!!

 

[ImpulsiveFarmer]

Sounds like you have thought of everything. I've never had an issue with cats though and there are a ton of ferals around my house. The chickens are a little big for them to go after.

I've never had an issue with hawks, I feed the crows around my house and they chase them away.

Good luck.

 

[Mrs. K]

Always a bit difficult to understand someone else's layout, through words. I am hoping you have your garden fenced off, as the chickens will dig it up.

Coons are more night time predators, and you may have them even if you don't see them. But if you are locking the coop up every night, they should not get anything.

Does your pasture have some bushes? or trees? That will offer plenty of hideouts. If not, set up a few pallets on cement blocks, this will provide a bit of shelter from the sun, and a hide out too.

Also, your chickens will invade your goat's space, they make take shelter in that, but I don't think it will be a problem.

When you free range, there is the possibility of loss.

before you free range, get your hens to come to you when you call using a can of scratch, shake it and call, even if they are standing right there. They will associate that call with a treat, and come running, which is nice if you need to lock them back up before dark, or in an emergency.

MrsK

 

[SusanRenee]

The garden is very well fenced and seperated, I'm sure chickens, goats and llama would love to do a number on it! My biggest issue which will be fun is that the best path to the pasture is through the garden, hence the building of the chicken tunnel tomorrow. I'll post some pics when I have some progress, should make some sense....

Sadly, no trees or bushes. I have tons of scrap lumber, so I'll toss a few shelters together. Everyone knows chick, chick, chick, treat is the magic line, so getting them back shouldn't be an issue.

 

[centrarchid]

Juvenile / female only flock will be very vulnerable to hawks. They will also fly over fence unless flightless.

 

[Contrary]

Would a few little shelters scattered about be appropriate in case of a hawk? The pasture is about an acre, so it's a bit of a run back to the coop in case of danger.

Yes, extra shelters will help to increase the chickens comfort level when foraging on open pasture. I used to bring an empty hay wagon out in the field with food and water under it to encourage further foraging. Chickens were also hanging out under the 55 gallon barrel gravity fed waterer stand.

 

[centrarchid]

Yes, extra shelters will help to increase the chickens comfort level when foraging on open pasture. I used to bring an empty hay wagon out in the field with food and water under it to encourage further foraging. Chickens were also hanging out under the 55 gallon barrel gravity fed waterer stand.

Comfort levels like in heat related and sometimes simply avoiding rain. If they are out when cold, then avoiding wind as well.

 

[Contrary]

Comfort levels like in heat related and sometimes simply avoiding rain. If they are out when cold, then avoiding wind as well.

Also a place to run for cover in the event of aerial predator.

 

[SusanRenee]

Oh, we have three roos... Not sure how that's gonna go this winter but great for flock protection. Keeping my fingers crossed for peace. My oldest roo is super laid back, so hopefully the younger ones will emulate him.

The coop will always be avaliable for them to go back into if weather hits, along with being able to run into either goat structure and under any of the little huts I will build. No progress yet, but I have high hopes for this week. Winters here can be severe, so on nasty day's I'll confine them to the run.