You will want to provide a place where you can lock them in at night free from predators. Also, when given a cushy nest to lay in, they might lay there instead of hiding somewhere and laying eggs where you will not find them. Free Range has the advantage of them being able to get lots of bugs, and protein to supplement their feed, but if there are stray dogs or coyotes, you may lose a bird here and there. We keep ours in a large pen, with a smaller pen inside of it, with nest boxes and places to roost. Both areas are pretty protected from predators. We do have a slight problem with Rats, but I think we took care of that by moving all of the nest boxes off the ground. (less places for the rats to hide). Good luck with your project. Chickens can be very rewarding.

Thanks for all your info, I hope that I can get the property....