Scared to let them out

[Gingerwitchchickenlove]

I have recently bought chickens. I have had them for a week and have now started to let them outside into the garden. But I am scared foxes will get them. Numerous of comments have been said about foxes killing their chickens. What shall I do? Is their any protection against pests?

 

[devora]

Welcome to the World of Chicken!

If you have an aggressive fox you stand a chance of losing some. Is there a fenced-in area outside? How old are your birds?

The way I protect my girls when out (very rural area, lots of stuff out there that wants to eat them) is by being out w/ them. But of course not everyone can do that.

Good luck w/ it. You may end up having to keep them in a run.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Even being out with them doesn't always help. I had two hawks swoop down on my girls within a week, with me standing right among them. Luckily both missed. I have also had foxes cross the yard right with me sitting there. Generally, I just aim to keep the fox population thinned out as much as possible, being that we have an overabundance (from an ecological perspective).

 

[Gingerwitchchickenlove]

Welcome to the World of Chicken!

If you have an aggressive fox you stand a chance of losing some. Is there a fenced-in area outside? How old are your birds?

The way I protect my girls when out (very rural area, lots of stuff out there that wants to eat them) is by being out w/ them. But of course not everyone can do that.

Good luck w/ it. You may end up having to keep them in a run.

My chickens are only 6 months old and I fear for them! We do have a run but it needs a polish! Thanks for the advice