Debate with my neighbor about letting chickens free range

My neighbor said I was crazy for keeping my hens cooped up all day. She lets hers roam her whole yard. I worried about hawks and coyotes. After she lost two birds to a fox last month, I stuck to my run. But now I wonder if I'm being too strict. Do you all let your chickens free range or keep them in a enclosed space? What's your call on the risk versus reward?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancy27526d ago

My own birds would probably file a complaint with the county if I let them out, they're so used to their cushy run. That said, I lost a favorite hen to a hawk the one time I got lazy, so I'll take a little boredom over a feathery crime scene any day. Free ranging is lovely in theory, but my coop keeps them alive, and that's worth more than a few extra bugs.

margaretf4025d ago

Changed my whole view on runs after losing one to a hawk myself.