roosting

[rayado]

i have 4 chickens that are enclosed around a shady tree with some chicken wire i made their coop inside but they only sleep on the tree they have a roost in their coop. the other problem is that when they wake up in the morning they jump outside the fence and wander in the woods im afraid theylle get lost or eaten PLEASE HELP !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

If the chickens can get out so easily, then predators can easily get in, and it is only a matter of time before something bad happens. I have a small, completely enclosed run attached to the coop. The chickens are free to go in and out, but predators cannot get in. I let them out into an open fenced yard area when I am home. They go back to the coop/run because that's where I feed them.

Beware relying on chicken wire. Raccoons and dogs have been known to chew through it. You might want to use something stronger. Check out the coops forum for lots of great ideas.