- Feb 25, 2013
- 9
- 0
- 9
I am new to chickens and I'm debating free ranging. I was talking with a local chicken guy who said my birds will be too big for hawks when they are mature (BCMs should mature about 7lbs).
He also said they wouldn't be inclined to fly over my 6 foot fence into the neighbors yard (not the end of the world if they go over on occasion), he said my yard is much more interesting to the chickens than the mowed yard next door (they have about 1/4 acre fenced). I could clip wings I suppose if it got to be a problem.
If I do free range in the winter I will need an door on the coop that will shut automatically because I get home after dark and want them in a coop after dark away from night time predators. Any suggestions.
I am willing to accept "some risk" with free ranging but don't want my birds wiped out. Thank you so much!!
Susan
He also said they wouldn't be inclined to fly over my 6 foot fence into the neighbors yard (not the end of the world if they go over on occasion), he said my yard is much more interesting to the chickens than the mowed yard next door (they have about 1/4 acre fenced). I could clip wings I suppose if it got to be a problem.
If I do free range in the winter I will need an door on the coop that will shut automatically because I get home after dark and want them in a coop after dark away from night time predators. Any suggestions.
I am willing to accept "some risk" with free ranging but don't want my birds wiped out. Thank you so much!!
Susan