I do not have chickens (yet) but will be moving to the country in the next month and would like to get some chickens in the spring of 2026 once we have time to adjust, build a fence, and a coop.

I’d like to let the chickens free range within the fenced in yard (several acres for the dogs) during the day. We will put up a 6 foot fence similar to the one in the photo.

I’m confused about the safety of free range during the day. I understand that they need put up at night because of predators, but then I’ve heard predators like hawks can get them even during the day.

Can someone provide some insight on this? I’m just trying to learn and plan for the future.