How to Keep Laying Hens Safe While in Free Range

Free-range hens face many dangers. These include natural predators, such as foxes; carnivorous pets such as dogs and cats; poisons and motor vehicles. Keeping your chickens safe without restricting their range involves preparing a safe roosting site for them and ensuring they use it. Also, evaluate any other risks in your neighborhood and take steps to mitigate them.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken coop
  • Chicken run
  • Rooster
  • Fencing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain or build a strong, predator-proof chicken coop together with a basic run. When you first acquire your chickens keep them confined to the run and the coop during the day, and lock them in the coop at night. After a couple of weeks, release the chickens and lock them in the coop at dusk every day. Let them out at dawn, or when you first arise in the morning.

    • 2

      Acquire a rooster, if local regulations allow and your neighbors won't be disturbed by the noise. A rooster helps to protect his hens when they are out. He'll also make a lot of noise if he spots a predator, allowing you to go and scare off the animal.

    • 3

      Talk to your neighbors and ask them to let you know when they use insecticides or other poisons. You might want to keep your hens confined to their run for a while. A poisoned slug can poison a hen, or at least make it ill.

    • 4

      Train your own dog how to behave around chickens and ask neighbors not to let dogs known to hunt chickens loose during the day.

    • 5

      Feed your chickens several times a day, on a schedule. This motivates them not to wander too far away. Also, train them to come when called by whistling or banging a pan just before each feed.