Semi-automatic coop and flock - can it exist?

[stavo]

Will it be a long time before you are able to move there?
Could you find someone locally that could help care for them in exchange for free eggs?

I wouldn't do it without a covered run or fenced area with netting. Hawks will have chicken dinner until they are all gone. One of my neighbors has a picture of a bobcat climbing up the fencing around their run.
Were you just going to stick the coop in the orchard with out a run? Trying to visualize this.

Yes, initially it was going to be a coop among the fruit trees. Now I'm seeing that the orchard needs a fence.

To give a little better picture of our current setup, it started with a 4x4 henhouse attached to an 8x12 covered run. But the flock outgrew the henhouse, so I added a number of roosts in the run, enclosed three sides, and that now serves as their "coop". At that time I also added a second covered run, this one 12'x 12', and an uncovered enclosed run of 15'x15'. All but the uncovered run would make the move.

The interesting thing here is there are hawks but for the most part leave the chickens alone. The hens are in the uncovered part of the run most of the day. We've had a few interested coopers hawks, but no attempted attacks, as far as I know and the red tails soar but have never interacted with the chickens.

 

[stavo]

Yes, initially it was going to be a coop among the fruit trees. Now I'm seeing that the orchard needs a fence.

To give a little better picture of our current setup, it started with a 4x4 henhouse attached to an 8x12 covered run. But the flock outgrew the henhouse, so I added a number of roosts in the run, enclosed three sides, and that now serves as their "coop". At that time I also added a second covered run, this one 12'x 12', and an uncovered enclosed run of 15'x15'. All but the uncovered run would make the move.

The interesting thing here is there are hawks but for the most part leave the chickens alone. The hens are in the uncovered part of the run most of the day. We've had a few interested coopers hawks, but no attempted attacks, as far as I know.

Oh, and I don't know how long until we move there permanently. It depends on how long it takes our son to --- pardon the real bad pun --- fly the coop.

 

[Loving my girls]

I believe it is feasible, but not as a permanent solution.
As you say feeders such as a treadle feeder can hold enough feed and keep it safe from nasties,
Water holders can hold many days at a time although I would have two at least.
A large run, as safe and large as is practical.
I would keep a close eye on them for a while if possible to make sure there are no severe bullies then … voila.
Be aware and prepared that it is possible that you could lose your flock but I’m sure you realise that.
** in my opinion not having a covered run is asking for trouble which I am sure you would get **
Good luck

 

[Debbie292d]

Our 5-gallon nipple bucket with some water freshener lasts 12 chickens a month. We have a 30-pound feeder that lasts about a month in the summer as they free-range.

But we couldn't free range here for more than a day or two, even if we had a secure run, if we and the dogs weren't here. We see wild animals (foxes, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, bobcats, etc.) on our trail cams that don't come into our yard from the adjoining forest or farm fields, but it wouldn't take long for them to figure out they could. The bear do come in our yard about 2-3 times a year. The dogs bark at them until we call them off. If they don't retreat back to the forest, we make our presence known with a 20-gauge shot in the air. If we weren't here, they'd have a feast.

Any chance you could find someone to take them for you until you can move them where you're moving to?

 

[RoyalChick]

Install cameras to alert you to things that require intervention.
Clearly it will be higher risk for all the reasons people have said, but doable for a while.

 

[Loving my girls]

Install cameras to alert you to things that require intervention.
Clearly it will be higher risk for all the reasons people have said, but doable for a while.

Good idea some cameras work with internet and can alert you by phone

 

[21hens-incharge]

Install cameras to alert you to things that require intervention.
Clearly it will be higher risk for all the reasons people have said, but doable for a while.

Good idea some cameras work with internet and can alert you by phone

Which is great.....unless you're an hour or more away and it's a predator issue. Then it's an added stress while driving to deal with what's left.

 

[RoyalChick]

Which is great.....unless you're an hour or more away and it's a predator issue. Then it's an added stress while driving to deal with what's left.

Yes. I did say it is increased risk. But if it is the automatic door is stuck or something it could be helpful.
Cameras combined with someone closer to the place who could be called and asked to help would be even better.

 

[rural mouse]

Interesting... I hadn't considered that. You think they'd still wander off if it's the same coop that they're used to? I plan to disassemble it and move it there. How about if I get a rooster, would that help to keep the flock together?

I guess I could fast-track my plans to surround the area with a fence.

Rooster would definitely help your plans. His job is sentinel duties. I would also suggest trail cams/security cams you can remote access. Then, if there is a problem, you can get out and deal quickly.

I have a free range flock. 33 birds, including 4 roos. Lots of trees. I've come home from work to find bodies all over due to dogs. I've also been home hand had a fair chunk vanish thanks to a fox family.

In moving the coop, you will probably want to stay out there for a few days just to make sure they head into the coop. As long as they feel safe in the coop, they will return to the coop...unless they go broody on a hidden nest (which can happen).

A human presence will help deter ground based predators. As long as there's plenty of overhead cover, they'll stand a chance at hiding from hawks. If you decide to do it, expect to lose a few, and DEFINITELY get a rooster or 2 (free range ratio should be closer to 3-5 hens per roo).

 

[Yardmom]

No one addressed the egg issue. In extreme temperatures you might want to toss the eggs, but most of the time 3 days between picking eggs won't be a problem. Provide large nesting areas as they of course will all want to lay in the same place.
The other issue that can happen is broody hen. I would toss eggs a broody spent 3 days on. Would you be able to bring a broody chicken away from the main flock? Otherwise this could become a issue with the eggs.
Your flock will return to the coop in the evening (as long as the automatic door is open). I use garbage barrels to feed with do it your self ports they sell for buckets. I also use nipple waters. You can make them large as well, but provide extra sources in case of leaks.
We are here with a dog and still get daytime predators. You will have to decide if you are willing to take that risk
Personally I see no ethical problem in trying this, but have a friend who didn't live by his chickens. He was "reported" for doing so. He decided to get rid of the chickens before an investigation was made. Didn't want his name connected with a report even if the authorities were ok with it.