[Barrett]

Hi, I have some 9 week old chicks that have been off the heat lamp for 4 weeks now and in a separate section of the coop so the others can't get at them or the chicks can't get outside.  I really want to put the chicks out now as they are growing fine and should be ok with the others though I do have a Buzzard problem that I know would have them easily and even the magpies would take them as well, I feel really bad as they are really wanting to be with the others but are worried as my last Cockerel got a real pasting from the Buzzards several times protecting the chicks, sadly took it's toll on him and he past away and the new cockerel is only half the size. Any thoughts please

[bigchicken]

You are between a rock and a hard place, You will have to discourage the buzzards I have seen strings of wire above farmed trout ponds to deter herons etc. This problem with buzzards is quite a common one for poultry keepers and there should be some kind of special licence so they can be culled if proved to be causing a problem.

[Sylvia]

I put pond netting over their pen until they grow big enough for the buzzards not to bother. I reckon on Bantam size and, touch wood! have had no trouble, though the buzzards sit on the fencing posts and put two fingers (feathers?) up at me.

[daddymatty82]

i would personally wait untill spring now as they will either die from cold as its getting colder at night now or the other chooks will get them  depending on size and build and how much meat on them i would keep them where they are untill it starts to warm up maybe . i got some 8 wk old chicks for a friend atm and he aint putting them out till easter at earliest but he is in london so it dont get to cold but still cold enough to kill chicks. so maybe  let them out day time when warm and can watch over themand bring them in at night