Should we free range if we have hawks?

[Savanna’s chickens]

we want to free range our chickens during the day, but we have hawks, raccoons, foxes, Etc. (a few weeks ago we caught a fox tryna get into our chicken coop) we would obviously provide shelter but idk if that would be enough

 

[The Phantom]

It would be risky. Personally I wouldn't, but I would try to kill the fox.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

It really depends. When free ranging there will always be a risk of some sort. It’s your decision whether it’s worth it or not.

 

[Savanna’s chickens]

It would be risky. Personally I wouldn't, but I would try to kill the fox.

I was sleeping but my dad shot and scared it off, it hasnt came NEAR our yard since family friends free range have no problem abd see what we think is the same fox, we were thinking of just free ranging when we are home. Would that be a good soulution? Edt: and that was the first time we have had any problem other than hawks flying around but we have our coop/rin sealed rn

 

[lazy gardener]

You should definitely eliminate the fox first. My opinion: Don't free range any bird you are not willing to loose. You have to decide what your risk tolerance is, and go with that. Everyone has their own place on that scale. While I have been able to free range my flock this spring, there have been several years when that has not been at all possible. Where I live, free ranging is a moment by moment and day by day decision.

 

[The Phantom]

@Ducksandchickens? Where you the one that was making the cd chime?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

@Ducksandchickens? Where you the one that was making the cd chime?

Yes. I’m thinking about it. My friend says it works very well. When the sun bounces off of it it distracts the hawks and the noise confuses them. You can also make them pretty cool like this one

 

[SueT]

I allow some chickens to free range, and have others that are kept confined most of the time, and some that are never allowed out. The oldest hens and the extra cockerel(s) are the free rangers as they are the most expendable. The eggs from those hens out on pasture are the best eggs. These free rangers test the waters for predators, eat ticks and other pests. I allow the second group to go out with them an hour before roosting time but only under my constant supervision. In the past I have lost chickens to coyotes. It's always a risk.

 

[Backyard Bruce]

Yes. I’m thinking about it. My friend says it works very well. When the sun bounces off of it it distracts the hawks and the noise confuses them. You can also make them pretty cool like this oneView attachment 1397773

That CD chime will be a bobcat magnet if you have them in your area.

 

[Birdsong 82]

I do have bobcats in my area also and I don’t know that that time would really deter them. Bobcats are nocturnal as well as coyotes is far as I know But foxes are a different story. My friend is going through the exact same problem because she’s in finding a fox in her yard every day