Thinking about letting them "loose" (aka really free range )

Greetings!

I wouldn't let ours free-range outside of a controlled area..... personal preference, I guess. you have every reason to be concerned about the safety of your flock outside of a restricted area.

As for the dogs, can they be trusted alone around your chickens? We also have 3 older dogs and they have been part of raising the chickens since they were bought as chicks last year. The main thing to consider with the dogs is that the dogs understand that the chickens are part of "the pack".  Our Border Collie (11 y.o.) has taken to protecting the flock, the old Border Collie mix (16 y.o.) is very tolerant of them, and our Irish setter female (10 y.o.) is just fascinated with them since they were "babies". They understand that roughness is not tolerated and that the chickens are part of the "pack". 

We live in town and have 1/3 acre fenced yard (privacy fence), that allows us to free-range our hens all day. The ladies put themselves to bed at dark, with some oversight from "their" dogs. 

Our main predators are Red-Tail hawks, cats, and the occasional possum..... The dogs ensure the cats and possums only come around late at night when our chickens are safe in their coop.

... just a couple of thoughts and experiences

Personally, I'd probably clip the wings and keep them safe.  You're inclosure seems plenty big...

When I try to get into my run, my flock comes running to the door and escape as soon as I open it.  I do let them wander around in the yard a bit but I don't leave them without a human (whether it be me, my husband or one of my kids) to keep an eye on them.  I'm not legally supposed to let them free-range but as long as I am outside to keep an eye on them, I let them wander around.  The kids are great at chasing them back to the run and generally, they go back if I tell them too and shoo them in.  My biggest problem lately is keeping them out of my garden beds!  I need to block that off very soon!

I wouldn't just let them free range without someone watching them or at least close by though.  My neighbor has several cats who love to use my yard as a litter box.......I went out to lock the chickens in the other night and heard a noise in the woods behind the coop.....one of my neighbors cats.....and quite frankly, I don't trust her cats.   I also saw a fox a couple of blocks up the street - I worry about it coming into my yard at some point so I definitely keep an eye out for that too.....
 

I guess I'll be the odd one out,

We do let our truely free-range. We live on 5 acres, 13 miles out of town surrounded by unoccupied countryside. We have 1 neighbor that is a couple parcels away from us and thats it. Ours free range all over about the 1/2 acre that is surrounding the house and don't go much further then that. I leave my dogs out with them and I leave the front door open if I'm in the house. They are always locked up if I leave the property.

We haven't lost one yet

I have always allowed my chickens to free range sun up to sun down when they are about three months old. I don't have a predator problem as my dog takes care of that. It sounds like your run is not covered as you mentioned a couple flew into the backyard already. I think once you let them in there they will go anytime they want. They will learn to fly over the fence. To me it doesn't sound like it will be long and they will all be there whether you want them to be or not. I don't think it is going to be much different than what you have now unless you cover your run. I would make sure they can't get on a road and get run over. Mine learned to go under the gate and would stay by the fence but never on the road. I think the high speed and noise of the traffic scared them so they kept their distance. 

I used to let mine free range over 25 acres, but about two weeks back a fox got four of them. I was already planning to build them a run, but now they're confined to a little fenced in area until I can put it up. 

I guess what it comes down to is: is it worth the risk? For me the answer is no. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvmyEs 


This is exactly us with our land and dogs! I feel like my chickens are happier free ranging.

I feel the same way! and it keeps my meat chickens healthy and active!

Plus, Cuts down on feed costs :)

We let ours free range too.... I know the risks and accept them, haven't lost a bird - yet....the girls know where their nest boxes are.... They usually don't wonder too far, maybe 1/2 to 1 acre area. I have seen a fox up on a nearby ridge (my little bull was watching him) and we have a pair of bald eagles that visit the area on occasion.

I just feel like the birds are happier, it's a natural life for them. - And, yes, it will cut your feed costs dramatically! (especially if you're very good at chicken math!)