All the hens are protected at night when the varmints are out. During the
day, they can dive for cover under the bus if they see a hawk. We had
trouble with a coyote last year, but he didn't get too many, and haven't
seen him this year though there are plenty of coyotes around. Domestic
animals, well, we cull our barn cats if they show too much favor for chasing
chickens. Some do, some don't.
This setup has worked real well for us and was cheap to build. You could
adapt the concept to your flock size by using whatever vehicle fits your
plans. Could be a van, minibus, or greyhound. Our unit houses 75 heavy
breed layers easily. Could go higher. Roosting space is the limiting
factor.
Visit the PasturePoultry list for all your poultry Q's and A's.
Grace to you,
Ralph
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Alright, you all have me convinced. I have wanted to start with a few
> chickens here on the farm but how do free range birds hold up with the
> red-tailed hawks, raccoons, possums, owls and my major worry, my barn cat
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