[MidlandBrewer]

Very exciting news today!
It turns out there's a chicken breeder only 10 minutes away from my new house!

http://www.staffordshirechickens.co.uk/

The wife's going to explore today and with any luck they'll be 2 new ladies waiting for me when I get home

[MidlandBrewer]

The good news keeps flying in for my ladies today, Ive just had shipping confirmation on my fence posts and 50m of chicken wire
Hopefully the'll be some progress on the free range paddock this weekend, ill definatly have to get the hedge cut back during the week!

[MidlandBrewer]

The good lady wife has just sent me some pics, we now have 2 Staffordshire Leghorn Stars to add to the flock

[MidlandBrewer]

Whats out here I wonder.....?

[MidlandBrewer]

New diggs

[MidlandBrewer]

They really look great

[MidlandBrewer]

Ruler of the roost

[New shoot]

Very pretty    Best get that run extension going   

[Geo]

Don't want to seem negative regarding the run but chicken wire will not keep foxes or badgers out. You would be better with weld mesh to keep predators out. We are plagued with foxes here and there have been a few rabbit hutches raided and rabbits taken. Hope this helps. Geo

[Beekissed]

Pretty girls!!!  I'm so glad you are setting up a free range situation....chickens weren't meant to live their lives in a pen and it's always sad to see them in such a thing. 

[MidlandBrewer]

I know the whole fox thing is a huge issue when keeping chickens but the girls will still be locked in there coop at night and left to free range during the day to increase safety. I asked the chap in the next cottage over who free ranges ducks and this is how he does it. They free range round the farm and cottage land all day then come home when its dark, not tempting fate but he’s never had issues with fox’s in this area.
I really want to move to the free range option to give my ladies the best possible quality of life, their safety is of course my primary concern.
If anyone has any practical experience in free ranging I’d love to hear some tips!

[Sassy]

I know the whole fox thing is a huge issue when keeping chickens but the girls will still be locked in there coop at night and left to free range during the day to increase safety. I asked the chap in the next cottage over who free ranges ducks and this is how he does it. They free range round the farm and cottage land all day then come home when its dark, not tempting fate but he’s never had issues with fox’s in this area.
I really want to move to the free range option to give my ladies the best possible quality of life, their safety is of course my primary concern.
If anyone has any practical experience in free ranging I’d love to hear some tips!

Electric fencing

[Beekissed]

I know the whole fox thing is a huge issue when keeping chickens but the girls will still be locked in there coop at night and left to free range during the day to increase safety. I asked the chap in the next cottage over who free ranges ducks and this is how he does it. They free range round the farm and cottage land all day then come home when its dark, not tempting fate but he’s never had issues with fox’s in this area.
I really want to move to the free range option to give my ladies the best possible quality of life, their safety is of course my primary concern.
If anyone has any practical experience in free ranging I’d love to hear some tips!

Here's all of my tips for successful free ranging:  http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bees-key-points-to-successful-and-safe-free-ranging

[MidlandBrewer]

I know the whole fox thing is a huge issue when keeping chickens but the girls will still be locked in there coop at night and left to free range during the day to increase safety. I asked the chap in the next cottage over who free ranges ducks and this is how he does it. They free range round the farm and cottage land all day then come home when its dark, not tempting fate but he’s never had issues with fox’s in this area.
I really want to move to the free range option to give my ladies the best possible quality of life, their safety is of course my primary concern.
If anyone has any practical experience in free ranging I’d love to hear some tips!

Thanks Bee!
This is great!
Although I don’t condone plagiarism I have to admit I’ve copied this to word and printed it off so I can read it with a cup of tea properly! 

Here's all of my tips for successful free ranging:  http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bees-key-points-to-successful-and-safe-free-ranging