Would you let your chickens free range in the NE Ohio woods?

[hollandmum]

We have a small flock of chickens that currently range free in our fenced in back yard. We are moving them into a bigger coop out of the fenced area and backing onto the woods. They will have a reasonable sized run, but would love to let them have access to the woods behind them. I know we have some raccoons around - but I have heard they don't hunt in the day. They would be secured in the run by early evening, and locked in their coop by nightfall.

What do you think? too risky??

 

[fasbendera]

We let ours out when we are home. That has not stopped a fox from getting a few. You won't know until you try it. You can always let them out while you are outside kind of like walking your dog and put them in the run when you go inside.

 

[Marlinchaser]

Do you have extras just in case? Looseing a couple is a risk your willing to take if your gonna let them freerange.

 

[hollandmum]

Thanks,

I've accepted I will loose a few - they currently roam free most of the day - and not far from the woods. They can get through our fence - but don't.

They would love it in the woods - endless bugs and critters to munch. On the rare days they stay in their run now - they stand at the entrance just waiting to be let out!

When we are out all day I would keep them in their run though. Thinking of building a chicken ramp over the back end of the run so they can get out, but the neightbours dog can't get in.

 

[Gonzo_MN]

I let mine out and they spend most of their time in the pine trees behind the run. That's the most likely place for them to get snatched by a fox or owl, but it's worth the risk to keep them happy and healthy. I tried to shoo them out of there, but they just go right back.