I live in Portland, Or, but about 8 miles from the downtown area. My neighborhood isn't rural, but it isn't exactly urban either (I have 5 doug fir trees and 1 cedar tree in my front yard if that tells you anything). I really want to let my flock free range in my yard, but I'm worried about predators. There are a few stray cats that think my yard is their playground during the day and I've had raccoons and possums 'inspecting' my coop a couple of times at night, but as far as I know there are no foxes, coyotes, or predatory birds in the area. I know a lot of people with chickens who let them roam their whole neighborhood and don't seem to have any issues with chickens going missing, so I'm assuming that the cats aren't really a problem. I know I could make a tractor and solve the whole predator issue, but my yard really isn't THAT big and the chickens would still be stuck in a cage all day.
does anyone out there have experience letting their semi-urban flock free range? I'd love advice.
does anyone out there have experience letting their semi-urban flock free range? I'd love advice.