Im in rural southeast Kansas, and have as many predators as anyone. I free range successfully, and rarely lose a bird. I have Dominique’s, which are excellent free rangers to start.
I have also trapped over 50 coons / opossums / skunks on my 20 acres over the winter. Anything that attempts to attack my chickens, will quickly find itself shot.
In my opinion, free ranging is the way chickens are “supposed” to live. I realize it’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’t do it any other way. There are risks, and you will occasionally lose a bird or two. I can live with that, and always hatch out more than enough replacements every year. That said, I have only lost 3 in the past year, most recently in early November. All very young birds new to free ranging. YMMV.
I have also trapped over 50 coons / opossums / skunks on my 20 acres over the winter. Anything that attempts to attack my chickens, will quickly find itself shot.
In my opinion, free ranging is the way chickens are “supposed” to live. I realize it’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’t do it any other way. There are risks, and you will occasionally lose a bird or two. I can live with that, and always hatch out more than enough replacements every year. That said, I have only lost 3 in the past year, most recently in early November. All very young birds new to free ranging. YMMV.
Last edited: