Trying to get an idea of how many out there do free range vs chicken runs/enclosed.

[Guardihen]

After my hawk attacks, I was looking into what everyone else was doing....

 

[Anon112]

My chickens have a very large run with lots of levels. I try to have them outside for at least a few hours every day while I do yard work or my regular work. I live near woods and there are simply too many predators at any time of day. I only have them outside when I am around to supervise them.

In terms of hawks specifically, it really helps to have areas of cover (bushes, structures, etc) that the chickens can get to quickly.

But if they're out in the open air, there are no guarantees. With me sitting about 20 feet away, a hawk took a run at some of my chicks a few weeks ago. (Luckily their mama hen tackled the hawk to the ground and it flew off empty handed).

I think it really depends on your situation. I know that I, personally, would not have any chickens left if I let them free range unsupervised. But I'm lucky that most days I can get home from work with time to give them a few hours to forage.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I haven’t actually lost any chickens to hawks and I free range but I also live in chicken paradise that is practically jungle so my chickens have LOTS of cover. We’ll see how they do come fall. When I had city chickens I had two hawk attacks: one I scared it off before any damage was done and the second the hawk got stuck between my run and the fence. I freed it because I think they’re beautiful and it’s illegal to kill them lol

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Mine free range 24/7. I've only had one hawk attack in 10 years which I was able to stop and my hen survived. They got locked up for a while but are back outside. My dog helps a lot at deterring predators as well as my neighbor's dog. Our orchard also has some tree cover they can go under.

 

[Perris]

Mine free range from dawn to dusk. I have witnessed attempted hawk (and fox, and dog) attacks in the past but not for the last couple of years. I believe that the presence of multiple roos, experience gained by the flock over years and passed down to youngsters by their broodies, and lots of shrub cover so they have places nearby to hide when the alarm is sounded, are responsible for the apparently predator-free life that they now enjoy. It applies to the terrestrial predators here too.

 

[saysfaa]

Mine free ranged unsupervised quite often. I saw hawks in the distance all the time.

Then one attacked. I happened to be out near the chickens at the time. I was shocked at how fast (and loud) it was. The chickens were in the woods at the time. The hawk missed. I think only because it went for the smallest one. Nutmeg happened to be the most reactive and quickest by far (brown leghorn vs the black australorps).

Then I kept them in completely for two weeks. I saw the hawks hunting over us very often at first, then less often.

Then I tried letting the chickens out some. They didn't change their behavior very much for very long. The hawks can see them from across the field. Sometimes they come over; sometimes they don't.

I think it matters what kind of hawks are around, what their other dinner options are, and how hungry they are. As well as the how much cover there is for the chickens, how reactive the chickens are, and how experienced/skilled/diligent the chickens, the hawks, and any two- or four-legged protectors are.

I don't know how to answer the poll... all apply sometimes.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

My first flock *kind of* free ranged in the beginning (kind of = they were fenced in, but had nothing over head. It was a VERY large, open fenced area). I lost 1 pullet to a hawk , and couldn't bear to have it happen again, so we built a HUGE (40' x 60') enclosure that is covered with hawk netting. Our 10x12 coop and 10x30 covered run are now all inside that 60x40 structure:

 

[Guardihen]

This is very well done. Also took some effort!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

This is very well done. Also took some effort!

....aaaannnnddd MOO-la out the wazoo!

I realize my setup is not accessible for everyone. However, I do think it is important, if you don't have shrubs/bushes/lean-tos, etc. for chickens to take cover from aerial predators, then overhead protection is pretty essential.

There are many other ways to create a large area with netting or other types of overhead protection, that don't require as much skill, time, or money. Pinterest is a good place for ideas!!