I am so sorry about the loss of your special chicken. I would LOVE to free range my flock of
Heritage Breeds ( Welsummers, Ameraucanas, Black Australorps and Barred Rocks ) as we have
a lovely field on our property and lots of woods, etc. - perfect for free ranging - problem is we also
have lots of hawks, foxes, neighborhood dogs, possums, racoons, owls ............... all of whom love
chickens too!
We settled for having a very large indoor coop that has access to an equally secure and maximum
predator proofed outdoor covered run that is also huge. We grow organic gardens, fruit, etc. and my flock gets daily forage that I bring them from our property. They seem to be extremely happy
and get plenty of sunshine and fresh air, can look out over the property and they even go up
into the rafters of the run's roof and 'could' fly out if they wanted to but must really like their present 'setup' as in over a year no bird has ever flown down to the pasture! Instead, they walk to the end
of the rafter, look out over the field, maybe nap a little there and then turn around and walk the
'plank' the other way back into the run and to their security and safety.
You may find that even the large poultry producers and hatcheries only have the more
common breeds available this time of year. If you want those specific birds you will most probably
have to wait until late Spring but I would go on and place your order now so it isn't even later
when you get your birds.
I've been very pleased with both the birds and service I've received from Meyer Hatchery in Ohio.
In fact I'm expecting 50 chicks next week from them - two orders consisting of 25 each of their 'All Pullet Rainbow Egg Layers Assortment'.
