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

[Ikslo]

We have hawks and owls and coyotes. Coop and run, but most know how to jump the fence to free range. Most of our losses have been from dogs. Or should I say, one dog. Hawks aren’t really a problem - we also have a lot of crows. Love those crows!

ETA: We also have a dog that chases away coyotes. Sleeps a lot during the day and protects the farm at night.

 

[BoundlessLove]

The predators in our area are mainly hawks, coyote, coy wolves, bobcats, raccoons, and foxes.
We do have bears, but only saw one last year.

Our Great Pyrenees keep everything away. (Highly recommend this breed - best to raise them from pups around your flock)

The older flock free range every day.
The young ones stay in a coop and run.
I do let the young flock out for a few hours about 3-4 times a week. The cockerel does not have spurs yet, so free range time is limited.
And I have two silkie pullets that never go out of coop and run.

 

[Ext 918]

I'm in suburban hell..I have to keep them in a run. If I had property, I would let them roam during the day and put them up at night.

 

[BDutch]

@Guardihen , you really should ask where people live. How much and which predators live around the house. If people only have time to supervise free rangers an hour or a part of the day its beneficial.

Predator load and neighbours are the most important reasons why people confine their chickens.

If it’s possible to let them free range on the green or in a forest (with or without borders) I’m convinced chicken owners should try, bc it’s so very good for the health of your chickens.

 

[Guardihen]

Good idea. Thanks for the input.

 

[mopalia]

I live in a fairly suburban city. My initial run was covered with netting which worked (except for the time that a young cooper's hawk snuck in and got trapped - no chicken losses but a very distressed hawk!) there are not a lot of predators, but there are occasional hawks. I believe that we lost some chicks to a hawk, but feral cats are actually more of a danger to chicks. After the netting gave out and I let the chickens free range over most of the lot, they are well covered in the summer by trees and shrubs (and they do a great job of fertilizing the lemon tree, which is a favorite hideout). This past winter we had much more hawk interest, so I strung engineers\'s tape (thin plastic stuff) in a crisscross to provide visual deterrent, and that has worked pretty well. People think you are living in a circus theme, but this is fine, especially if you have children. I actually have this in two areas. It doesn't bother me because I am 5' tall, but it drives my 6' yard helper nuts.