@room onthebroomMy birds are often more exposed to wild birds in their coop and shed. Wild birds can still get near chickens and stuff can blow in on the wind. So strict measures are necessary such as those used by large producers which aren't feasible for most back yard flocks in order to keep...
Pros and cons of free ranging?
Pro: My birds are mentally and physically more healthy in my opinion. I don't experience any behavioral problems. My yard is bug free.
Con:Occasional predation, mostly Fox or coyote. The chickens can make a mess of garden beds and scratch mulch out repeatedly...