To Lock or Not To Lock?

[wthspirit]

Hi all.
We have 9 backyard chickens and 2 ducks (well, this morning we had 3 ducks...) :-( Sad to say that although it doesn't happen often, we lose a bird to a predator. Today it appears to be a hawk or owl.

We have two options for keeping the birds: coop and run only or selective free range. The run and coop are well covered and contained against predators (15 by 30 feet), but we will open the run door to let the ladies free range for the day (1 acre), which makes them so joyous. Seriously! They high tail it from the run with great glee whenever we let them out! We prop the door open for the day, leaving them to free range in the yard. At sunset, they return to the coop and run, whereupon once we return home from work, we will lock up until the morning.

So should we continue to do this even though there is predator risk? Since free ranging brings them such joy, I wouldn't want them to be sad if left to remain in the run / coop all day and night. Do we choose acceptable risk to let them be happy? Or choose safety of run? Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

We let them free range. There is a risk, and every once in a while, one will disappear, but it is worth it if they are happy.

 

[Relleoms]

Only you can decide how much risk you’re willing to accept, but we are in a similar situation and I cannot stand keeping them in the run all day after seeing the joy they get from free ranging! However, we only free range when we’re home (I work from home) so there are times they are confined to the run. They have plenty of room there, too, so I know they’re fine, but I still prefer to let them go! Maybe I’ll change my tune if/when we have an attack.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

X2. Take what precaution you can for the free rangers though.
I have fake owls about. Lots of cover for hiding from raptors. Feed the squirrels so the predators have other food...

 

[Blueeyedcollies]

I only just got chickens yesterday but found the same thing with my bunnies.

I never got a hutch as used a shed and play pens along with existing fencing to create a small area (but to most it was wow so luxurious for buns). I then meshed a whole yard and there is nothing like seeing how much happier it makes them. Ive had quite a few times they've learnt to escape and fixed it (they aren't bored so don't seem to dig) but they are well contained and happy. I lost one near the start and think something got it but the amount of happiness they have is worth it. There's not many hawks etc though not none. Never seen on my property but when I drive.

My bunnies now share the place with the chickens and so far so good. I do want to add some ex battery hens but want to see that everyone continues to co exist harmoniously first and make sure the cleaning isn't too tedious.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

It's tough, but I let my birds free range. They can live successful long lives.. I have a hen who is around 10.. doesn't lay, but I still enjoy her company and she actually showed my rooster (when he was young) the ropes of the property. Mine are never caged or penned. They roost an hour before dark. I do have dogs that I walk around the property and barn to potty and it keeps the larger animals away. I have fox and coyotes that live among us here, but I usually get a opossum looking for eggs.

At this point I would feel guilty to coop or pen them. They know the limits and never go into the woods. I also have 2 roosters always on duty. Though I love my roosters it's their job to keep the ladies safe. I've lost more roosters then hens, but even that is not common. I personally feel its worth it to let them free range. The eggs are better and my birds are happier.

If you don't have dogs to walk by your coop/barn and don't want or can't have roosters I would make sure they have coverage. Shrubs, trees, ect. My birds are always close to an area with coverage.