These are NOT pets... as ruthless as this sounds, i have intentionally not let the wife and kids become too attached to them.

I have large feeders for when we are a way for any length of time. It can hold several days worth of food. Its off the ground and away from rats/mice etc.... but youll never stop them getting a free nibble, but does minimise wasted food.

No vets!! Sick chicken = dead chicken. touch wood, no losses so far, but i have zero intention to nurse them back to health or treat them.

I pest proofed the enclosure as bestni could asbi was building it. Wire, wood, shed, steel and more fencing.... its completely roofed off, and ive sunk the perimeter 18" deep, and set out 24". So it would take a fox a heck of a dig to get in and out in jus one Night. Plus the dog does a good job at keeping cats and birds away(buzzards).