WHY WE CAN'T FREE RANGE, pic

[centrarchid]

Planting cover is not an option. Ten inches of rain a year, and 10 - 20 mph winds most days. Raising trees or shrubs need constant attention for many, many years. The tractor type pens work just fine, and get moved regularly. It is just the errant bird that jumps out during feeding or watering, most all are re-caught. Eagles are just one of many. Two years back it was a pair of Great Horned owls, last year it was Rikki Racoon. The list of raptors is long, but they are just looking and picking of voles, and mice. I accept that if you have chickens, you will also have predators. Just like peanut butter and jam.

No native bushes or brambles tolerant of your local rainfall patterns? I am going native with my management system.

 

[Nicole01]

I stand over my flock when free ranging. When I see a hawk or eagle circling, I quickly lead them to their coop/run. Some days they only get 30 minutes free time. . This is in the wooded area under the trees.

Sorry about your loss.

 

[Chemguy]

No native bushes or brambles tolerant of your local rainfall patterns? I am going native with my management system.

You don't have to plant anything. Even a little lean-to or two would go a long way.

 

[stoopid]

Yes, DH built a frame, and covered it in burlap.
About a foot off the ground. It was cheap and easy. Hope it helps
And sorry for your loss, although a magnificent picture.

 

[whytedragon]

Plant some darn cover out there! Chickens are not open grassland critters. A bald eagle will be about the easiest raptor to thwart using some cover. Breed choice also may need to be revisited if free ranged.

I agree with this..I have ONLY my Silkies and my young Orpington pullets free ranging in a wood-fenced area, and I have never lost
any in this area due to the large tree that covers them. We don't have eagles here, just owls, Caracaras (falcon), and Red-Tailed hawks. Not to say one can't get my birds, but they do fly right over and don't even seem to notice them. *knock on wood*.

Sorry for your loss

 

[jamesbwood]

Nice pict!

What works in one area may not work or be appropriate in another.

 

[centrarchid]

You don't have to plant anything. Even a little lean-to or two would go a long way.

Yes, but make it pretty.

 

[7L Farm]

I have one of my trailers parked in my yard so the chickens can get under it while ranging.

 

[Nsampsel]

I can't free-range either. I'm in town, so city ordinance doesn't allow it. I do occasionally take my babies out before they are ready for the coop, but I stand there & watch them the entire time & only have a couple out at a time so I can grab them quickly if need be. I took extreme care when constructing my coops & runs since if mine get out, not only am I in jeopardy of having to get rid of all of them, but there are dogs & cats everywhere, not to mention vehicles. The only time I ever have trouble with mine getting out is when my kids leave the coop gate open. Seems my chickens like their coop tho & never stray more than a few feet from it until I discover them, chase them around the coop a couple times & return them to safety.

 

[Beekissed]

Something as simple as a tarp with push in stakes makes some great shade and cover for field birds. Some people place palates up on blocks or pieces of tin, etc.