Reluctant Chicken Farmer

[DavisMom10]

Hello! I am new to the group here. Our family has been raising chickens on and off for seven years. My husband and now grown son have always handled the chickens. We have had a terrible time with predators over the years, which is why I say I am a reluctant chicken farmer. I love having them but can't stand to lose them. We have dealt with hawks, foxes, weasels and raccoons, even neighborhood dogs that tore up the fence.
We currently have eight five month old chickens and four guinea fowl about the same age. My husband has shored up the fencing, but we still haven't figured how to protect them when they are free ranging. We have about an acre of open space on a five acre wooded lot.

 

[N F C]

Hi, it's nice to have you here!

Free ranging does leave the flock susceptible to day time predators. Have you considered keeping them in a large run instead?

This section of the Learning Center would be good material to read through. Maybe you'll get some ideas on how to keep your newest flock safe:
predators-pests.28

Best wishes to you!

 

[DavisMom10]

Hi, it's nice to have you here!

Free ranging does leave the flock susceptible to day time predators. Have you considered keeping them in a large run instead?

This section of the Learning Center would be good material to read through. Maybe you'll get some ideas on how to keep your newest flock safe:
predators-pests.28

Best wishes to you!

Thank you! I will check out the Learning Center.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community! Make yourself at home here at BYC!

 

[alexa009]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock! BYC is a helpful site providing all of the information you need to know about poultry. There is always space for members on the BYC roost!
I am sorry to hear about your past losses. I always believe an enclosed run is the optimal choice for keeping your chickens safe from predators. If not, have you ever tried hardware cloth? It is more durable than mesh wire and prevents dogs from getting in. A secure coop that is hole free is very important as well since Nocturnal predators can be a serious problem.

Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Welcome to BYC. Our eggcelent flock is your home!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Unfortunately free ranging is risky. I stopped free ranging when my flock started wandering off too far. My compromise is a 1/4 acre pen enclosed in electrified poultry netting. Nothing has gotten at them when they are in that pen. I also provide cover from aerial attacks which I have yet to experience
Good luck with this new flock!

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Welcome to BYC
I love my guineas, apparently according to my neighbors there was fisher men trespassing onto our property to get to our lake and the guineas chased them away
I’ve also seen them chasing away the fox.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. A solid covered pen with hot wire or electric fencing is an effective predator deterrent. When we free range losses will happen. A dog can help.

 

[HAPPYCHICKENLADY17]

I HAVE MY GIRLS IN A FREE RANGE DURING THE DAY, HAVE A 6 FOOT FENCED AREA, IT WILL BE A YEAR THIS MONTH AND I GUESS I AM LUCKY I STILL HAVE ALL MY GIRLS...AT NIGHT THEY ARE LOCKED UP IN AN ENCLOSED COOP ,,, WE HAVE DOUBLE POULTRY NETTING AROUND THE ENTIRE COOP ,GOOD LUCK TO YOU....