I used to free range my birds and they used to have a grand old life. They would wander for hours only coming back at bed time. However, I lost so many to foxes, my nerves couldnt stand losing any more. So we built a nice run, bought a new house to go in it and got some more birds. Months ago, despite an electric fence, we lost 3 to Mr Fox. Since then with all the bad weather, their run is no more than a mud bath. Well, this morning when I let them out, I couldnt stand it any longer. I came back and talked it over with OH, and we decided to open up the gate of their run to let them out to sample all the lush grass that surrounds their pen. The gate has been open for about 6 hours now, and only 2, Jethro the cockerel and Miss Red have ventured out. Trouble is my heart is in my mouth worried about the foxes, but I have the "boys" (goats) running around too, so hopefully it will put them off, plus the fact that the local hunt is out and about today. Its so hard to know what's best for the chooks, but I feel that even though their run is large, its no life for them all penned up and its been praying on my mind for ages. I just hope they remember to go to bed when it gets dark!