Do I need a run?

[d000hg]

In my other thread I talked about getting our first chickens to coincide with moving to the country. It's a detached house with a large garden and no immediate neighbours on adjoining land so I'm really keen to let the chickens roam wild during the day, than have an ugly run.

But I saw issues with bird flu and I'm not sure as to the legality and practicality. Where are we at as of March 2017?

I have 6 birds and 1/2 Acre of bushes and grass, bordering a wooded valley with a stream and more woodland, so loads of space. Do I understand right that they will reliably return to roost in the coop rather than wandering off and getting lost? Do they roam very far or tend to stay close?
Any more thoughts on this free-range idea?

[Bigmallly]

I'd be as afraid of Mr Fox as I would Bird-Flu.

[d000hg]

During the day too?

[veggiechicken]

The run is somewhere where they can be safe from predators. I don't let mine free range outside the run unless I'm around. Too many foxes.

[d000hg]

I work from home... if a fox appears will they make enough of a racket for me to know?

[Bigmallly]

I work from home... if a fox appears will they make enough of a racket for me to know?

That could be too late............I would have a run for them to go in while you are at work then let them out when you go in the garden.

[Zelenina]

Here's the UK government factsheet on bird flu for backyard poultry keepers.
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...eet-170225.pdf

The measures you'll have to take depend on whether you're in a higher or lower risk area. They give a link to a map where you can find that out.

It looks like you can't let them run completely free in either case, but in a lower risk area you can let them out in a fenced area e.g. your garden. In a higher risk area you either have to keep them completely housed or only let them out into an area that is fenced and completely covered with netting.

Then the other main problem you'll have to worry about is keeping them safe from foxes and other predators, (that I see others have already warned you about.) .

[Zelenina]

Here's the most recent bird flu info
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai

[Nicos]

Mine used to totally free range, but they ate or scratched up most of our flower and veg beds.
Yes they came in at night and to lay.
Betty however was more adventurous and would take herself off for walkies...and we were always looking out for her.
In the end a dog crashed it's way into the enclosed garden and went for them.
Good job I was there tbh.

By return of post we acquired an electric mesh fence!
Not long afterwards we heard the foxes calling each other in the next field.
They had a very lucky escape!
Not worth the risk

[Scarlet]

Well, just to add to the advice given above, you really do need to be aware of chicken predators, not just foxes, dogs will kill them too. I came home late yesterday evening to several headless chickens, many taken away and just a few feathers A few survived. I'm really not sure what happened, the electric fence was on - I tested it last night. I'm really puzzeled.

[Bigmallly]

That's sad Scarlet, here's hoping o/p takes heed.

[Nicos]

Very sad news Scarlet.
You have my sympathies x

Talking of predators ...have a look at this......

"Like dogs, weasels and their relations (ferrets, fishers, martens, mink, and so forth) also kill for sport. If you find bloodied bodies surrounded by scattered feathers, you were likely visited by one of them. Weasels can slip into a coop through an opening as small as 1 inch, and a family pack can do significant damage to a flock in an amazingly short time."


1"?....

(From this American site...
What Killed My Chicken? - Countryside Network )

[Scarlet]

Might have been that gorgeous baby weasel I hand fed from young and released when he put on enough weight! He was very nasty!

[Scarlet]

That's sad Scarlet, here's hoping o/p takes heed.

I've seen several chickens killed by dogs. Chickens need a safe home. In a large area an electric fence is ideal as they can be moved around to give them fresh ground. We have had several mishaps over the years, fence accidentally turned off, another time he used the compost bins to Jim up and over and several young ones have been pulled through the fence. When they stalk around in the day they get spooked and can fly over the fence too - they really need a safe and secure home. I just wish I knew how it got in! I'll be locking them in at 5 tonight. lesson learnt.

[veggiechicken]

Truly sorry to read this, Scarlet You would expect an electric fence to be enough protection.

I've also learnt the hard way that chooks aren't safe from foxes - they're so cunning. Its not an easy lesson to learn and I hope that all the new-to-chickens keepers on here take heed and make sure theirs are safe, day and night.