....have a outside run using large cage pieces from Tractor Supply meant for a Dog run....then put fencing beneath the dirt of the outside run to prevent digging predators as well as chicken wire over the top (It's in a forested area on the water so there are a LOT of predators (raccoons and possums and weasels of course, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, eagles, hawks owls (just spotted a Great Horned owl btw which was really cool). There is a very rare black bear, and I guess they are screwed if it wants in.
We have 10 chickens chosen for egg laying + cold tolerance.
My daughter really loves it...she has named them all :) We chose:
2 Black Sex-Linked's named "Nix", & "Raisin"
1 White Brahma named "Sonny"
1 Black Astralorpe named "Delta"
1 Olive Egger named "Kermit"
1 Road Island Red named "Dalia"
1 Starlight Green Egger named "Robin"
1 Buff Orpington named "Beatrix"
1 Lavender Orpington named "Violet"
1 Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte named "Princess Leia" - our #1 egg layer (as befits royalty).
We have had less luck with the Issa breed because the seem to get sick a lot
We avoid roosters now, though there used to be some..... "Benedict Cumberscratch" and "Gregory Peck"
Began when COVID started from scratch with 6 chicks and a starter pen.
They love the after dinner scraps that used to go in the garbage disposal.
We let them range free when we are present only - I do know people who just let them range and forget about it....But they have 40 to 50 and they lose chickens frequently and just replace with free chicks from friends....AND they don't have to explain the loss to my daughter.