when are chicks ready to free -range

[geojane42]

We have 5 older hens and 3 babies (about 10 weeks old). We haven't let the babies out unsupervised yet other than in the tractor because we do have preditor issues here (hawks, eagles, racoons & coyotes). We haven't had any problems with any of these creatures but we did have a hawk swoop the babies' run the other day. The outdoor run is pretty well protected with trees and bushes but I haven't been brave enough to let them out there yet. Will the big girls look out for the little girls? The babies are Polish so seeing things coming, particularly from above is not their forte if you know what I mean.

 

[downstownlady]

We have lots of hawks, owls, racoons, and then the neighborhood dogs that no matter what you do seem to find a way into the yard if there is something to be earned. So I don't really feel comfortable with the free-ranging, although it would be great if there were not so many threats. We also have 2 cats and 2 dogs...my cats are real mousers and they also manage to get ahold of the occasional bird. We are trying to make their run as large as possible...but we haven't gotten as far as I had hoped to be by now. Good luck with the free-ranging though, I envy ya'll...or should I say the chicks envy ya'll.

 

[fratermus]

Our 3wo chicks were out in the tractor acclimating today and a crow flew over and went CAWWW; chicks all froze and looked up.

 

[Tala]

Toldja they were pretty small out in the grass!!!!!!

 

[Country Heart]

Free-ranging comes with risks - it's one of those life choices we make for our pets.

Just be sure they have plenty of bushes and hiding places to run to when the hawks are out looking for a meal. In my experience, the chicks become very aware of the threat very quickly. It also helps if there are other more experienced birds around helping to sound the alarm and making everyone aware that there is danger about.