posted 5 years ago
It sounds like you're doing a great job already, to be honest. All our chickens succumbed to predators rather than old age, especially on those lazy days when the person(s) responsible for closing the hatch either didn't make sure the hens were all in first, or took their time shutting the hatch after dark. Birds with clean, safe homes that get to forage tend to be pretty healthy.
You can see with only one eye open, but you'll probably run into things and stub your toe. The big picture matters.