When should I let my pullets out?

[Ihavesomechickens]

I live in a very predator dense area and I’m afraid that if I let my young chickens outside too soon they might become coyote chow. I have two buff Orpingtons, two Ameraucanas, and two silkies. I’m wondering if maybe I should let the Orpingtons out first and the silkies out last because of size. I just don’t want my babies eaten.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If you are concerned than keep them confined to a secure coop and run. Predation on free range birds can be random, but generally once you get found, you can get cleaned out fairly quickly.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Thanks for the help! I’m going to let them free range for about an hour a day but supervised. We have to get them out of the house for the next round of chicks.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Thanks for the help! I’m going to let them free range for about an hour a day but supervised. We have to get them out of the house for the next round of chicks.

If you have a secure coop outside then you should be okay. Free ranging while supervised sounds like a good idea to start with.

I live in a very predator dense area and I’m afraid that if I let my young chickens outside soon they might become coyote chow. I have two buff Orpingtons, two Ameraucanas, and two silkies. I’m wondering if maybe I should let the Orpingtons out first and the silkies out last because of size. I just don’t want my babies eaten.

When a coyote got 5 of my chickens, it was at night and because I left the door open. I am not sure how it is in all places, maybe they are bold enough to try something in the daytime as well.

 

[hayley3]

I live in a very predator dense area and I’m afraid that if I let my young chickens outside too soon they might become coyote chow. I have two buff Orpingtons, two Ameraucanas, and two silkies. I’m wondering if maybe I should let the Orpingtons out first and the silkies out last because of size. I just don’t want my babies eaten.

Since you know you live in a predator dense area, supervision all the time is essential because if you turn your back that sneaky fox especially will run up and snatch one.

 

[wildwestcoast]

Well I let my newbie POL's out today and this evening Im one short. So the parties over at my house. No more free ranging.

 

[hayley3]

Well I let my newbie POL's out today and this evening Im one short. So the parties over at my house. No more free ranging.

I am a believer in electric fencing or some sort of big animal that grazes with them otherwise you have to watch them the entire time.

 

[Howard E]

Young birds are always vulnerable to a variety of predators, but one of the worst is hawks. They are feeding now and can take a small pullet.

My method of starting you pullets is to build a small pen just outside the house.....call it a little playpen. They get access to green grass, and lots of practice going in and out the pop door. And are always a short distance away from safety.

Playpen made from 4' high roll of 2" x 4" woven wire.....about 25' long. If they are really young, make that 1" x 2".