GingerRose
Free Ranging
Protect the babiesIf you free range, your taking a risk of loosing a bird. Lots of woods and lots of predators in my area. My backyard is fenced. Dogs help keep critters out, but every now and then the possibility of a chicken dinner is too much temptation and I'll get a critter in the fenced in area. Could I hot wire the fence, sure, but I don't want the expenses of doing so, nor do I think it's my responsibility to do so.
That said I shoot every predator that is actively trying to get my birds. Sure there will be others, and they will be eliminated too.