When do you start letting them free range?

[10xmama]

So another question..... If you leave your coop/run open while your chickens are out and about, do unwanted critters ever make their way into the coop/run? Snakes, birds, squirrels, etc?

 

[ellie32526]

So another question..... If you leave your coop/run open while your chickens are out and about, do unwanted critters ever make their way into the coop/run? Snakes, birds, squirrels, etc?

My hens are pretty protective of their space. They will run off other birds (cardinals, wrens, etc.) if they get in the chicken yard. They also catch and eat small snakes and sadly even baby birds that fall out of a nest (gross). I haven't seen them with a big snake, and hope not to, but I do have the dogs running loose in the yard so they probably help as a deterrent for most predators.

 

[10xmama]

Thanks for helping me think this through. I am still weighing the risks.... I appreciate everyone's insight. Thanks.