How to start free ranging

[N F C]

We only started letting our birds outside the run about a month ago (they are 1yr olds & 8 month olds). One of us is always out there with them which isn't a guarantee nothing will bother them but if I feel they are wandering too far away or are becoming a nuisance, I use a similar trick to Ol Grey Mare's. I have a plastic water bottle with a mix of cracked corn and black oil sunflower seeds in it. When I shake that bottle, they all come running because they have learned they will get a little treat (but only if in the covered run).

I leave their run door open while they are out and they know if something spooks them, like a hawk or unusual noise, they all charge back inside.

They learn pretty fast, the way to a chicken's heart is through it's stomach, lol.

 

[maranfarmer563]

I started by letting them out late afternoon, at dusk they go in to roost and I lock door for night. That way you can supervise them

 

[CdnMatt]

5 of my red sex links hop the fence and free range. They seem to know the border of my property haha! They do walk to the end of my driveway and feed in the ditch. They have ted crossed the road yet! They always come back at night

 

[SheenaHinn]

I am wondering the same thing. I live in Montana. The temp right now really varies. I've had my chicks for about 2 months. They are feathered, but I don't have my run up so I've been keeping them in the coop. I'm out in the middle of the sticks and have no neighbors within a mile of our place. I've been too nervous to let them out in case they don't come back! Do you think they'll return to the coop if I let them roam a bit. If so, is dusk the perfect time to start?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Mine come running to "bock bock". But it's true, not for every member of my family.

Once they are "homed" they will stay close by at first. Then they will follow the adventurous chick. But they will ALWAYS stay in a group and try to get back to each other if they get separated, often squealing loudly.

My big fear at that age is arial predation. I also have 1 acre with neighbors. If you can't put up a whole fence, electric poultry netting can be very affordable and many people love it. It keeps out predators as well as keeping chickens where you want them. And it can be easily moved which is a tremendous help in pasture management.

It's always scary at first. But with each subsequent brood, I gain more confidence in how the chicks act as a flock.

Happy chicken keeping!

 

[Beekissed]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bees-key-points-to-successful-and-safe-free-ranging