Free ranging?

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Kristin228

Kristin228

In the Brooder
Mar 13, 2017
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I have a mostly fenced yard with only one side with no fencing. Would it be okay to let my chickens free range if I'm watching them? Advice would be awesome thank you!
 
Free ranging is a risk versus reward proposition. With you present the risk is diminished but not eliminated. I tend to free range mine for about 5-6 hours per day - the hours that I am home and can do some sort of supervising. They get plenty of time scratching around and getting greenery and insects. I'm not out there inconstant patrol but take a walk around the yard with the dogs, making a little noise in case there's a coyote lurking about. Just be careful about hawks and dogs. They don't seem to be as concerned about human presence. Good luck to you!
 
redsoxs said:
Free ranging is a risk versus reward proposition.  With you present the risk is diminished but not eliminated.   I tend to free range mine for about 5-6 hours per day - the hours that I am home and can do some sort of supervising.  They get plenty of time scratching around and getting greenery and insects.   I'm not out there inconstant  patrol but take a walk around the yard with the dogs, making a little noise in case there's a coyote lurking about.   Just be careful about hawks and dogs.  They don't seem to be as concerned about human presence.  Good luck to you!  
Click to expand...
Okay thanks for the advice!
 
How far do chickens usually stray from the coop...I would like them to be able to free range but my property isn't fenced. The biggest thing I worry about... Other than hawks, is there is a road about 250ft from the coop on one edge of property.
 
Tlmcq said:
How far do chickens usually stray from the coop...I would like them to be able to free range but my property isn't fenced. The biggest thing I worry about... Other than hawks, is there is a road about 250ft from the coop on one edge of property.
Click to expand...

My experience is they tend to stay within about 150ft from the coop. But it will depend a lot upon the terrain. There's a low cliff right by the coop on one side which they barely ever cross (they could easily fly up on it if they wanted, they just dont), while they walk a long way across the lawn in the other direction.
 

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