Rant: Stop free-ranging your hens if you live near a main road

Ngl, I used to let my girls roam all day thinking it made them happier. Lost three birds to cars over two summers before I wised up. Switched to a 40x20 foot covered run with a 6 foot fence and sand base. Now they get supervised time in a fenced section of the yard only on weekends. Has anyone else had a close call with traffic that changed how you keep your flock?

2 comments

2 Comments

lisa82011d ago

100% agree with this. That covered run with a sand base sounds like a GAME CHANGER. My girls had a close call with a delivery truck last spring and it scared me so bad I built a similar setup over the summer. They barely even notice the difference now, they're too busy scratching around.

amymiller11d ago

Did you see that study from UC Davis about sand in chicken runs? They found sand actually helps keep their feet healthier than dirt or grass because it drains so well and doesn't clump up. I switched my run over after reading that and the difference in how clean their feet stay is night and day. Plus the way sand packs down means predators can't dig under as easy, which is the real worry. The truck thing is scary too, but sand gives me peace of mind on multiple fronts.