Bee's key points to successful and safe free ranging.

Although there is some useful information here, you are incorrect about using electric fences with chickens. They are dangerous. Here is a picture of a chicken who recently got tangled in the fence and was electrocuted over time, a horrible and painful death of a completely healthy chicken.

DO NOT USE ELECTRIC FENCES WITH CHICKENS - THEY ARE TOO DANGEROUS.

Good solid common sense advice fir all to follow!

I disagree with your statement that says there is really no totally Fort Knox coop my coop is actually called Fort Knoxy it is the Ultimate coop as far as protecting my girls it is doubled wire welded fence on top of galvanized pole structure with double added center supports no seams all seams are lapped and protected barbed wire wrapped ties , galvanized welded floors so nothing can dig in or out , this is a three hundred and sixty degree protection ring. And to top it all off I have eight thousand volts of electricity surrounding the entire building !!! Nothing I mean nothing is getting my girls ?

Good helpful hints on preparation. I want to begin letting my birds go out into the yard. I want to fence an area.

The dog discussion was a new aspect for me. We are considereing getting a dog, and this article gave me other points to consider.

It is good to have tips on how to safely free range.

Thank you. I keep hearing it cant be done,awful person to free range..i live in the country,cattle across the street, game birds on that property, cattle next to and behind me, horses here on my place, horses next door... lots of ground cover and hides,dumped hog dog ( catahoula cur) roams several hours day and night, many security lights, old rott cross has 3 houses and 20x20 kennel directly next to birds and barn cats that sleep in the areas set up for birds..i lost one in a year to a bird my rooster wasnt sure he sort of alerted..she didnt run but it wasnt a full on alert..he sees cowbirds and egrets all day as well as hawks,peregrines and eagles..but a heron,well in a year one 9 week old pullet..i asked many old times all gave me similar advice..my rooster is good an asshat with humans but good with hens,chicks and amazing with aerial predators.thank you for saying its ok. Be safe take precautions but free ranging can work

The article gives clear steps to offer your birds the best free range life

Thank you for sharing this information. I wouldn’t have thought about the perils of fall chicks.

So far I have lost no birds free ranging in 6 years.
The EEs are very good alarm clocks. Lol sometimes better than my rooster.

Great information, since all my birds are free range.

That was a great article. Many good points - more on the FENCING needed as I have found out the hard way that 4 inch spaced wire will not keep chickens in. Same for 'flighty birds' in general.

View attachment 1513833

One reason 'Free Range' does not work. I seem to be blessed with rebels and contrarians. Cannot believe these ingrates decide to lay out in the bushes when I have provided such a nice hen house and nesting boxes. :-(
Amethyst Gem, Americana, Speckled Sussex, EE, OE and Cuckoo Maran - no matter. They prefer to lay in a group nest outside the hen house. Will have to lock them up for a full day to start them over.

This is a great intro to free-ranging - lots of good ideas with some personal experiences thrown in, to boot. Nicely Done!

In searching BYC for information on when to start free ranging chicks, this article came up first and answered my question perfectly. The information is complete and clearly stated. A big thumbs up to the author!

Clear as always.

Excellent info. I'm glad that I read this article before allowing my hens to hatch fall chicks.

This is one of the best articles I have read on free ranging. Great information backed by personal experience. This is a good starting point for anyone interested in free ranging their flock.

Fantastic article!
Having just started a year ago, I've a couple questions, and if they're perfectly daft, then please forgive my ignorance.
Does one not coop their birds at any time?
If not, then how does one provide heat in the winter, and are eggs all over the place?
If so, is the solar electric fence the best deterrent you've found?
Again, I'm sorry if these are repeat or stupid questions. I just want what's best for the birdies :-D
Thank you

I enjoy reading a well written article.
This one kept my interest till the end.
Good job.

Great great information. Several things I hadn't even taken into consideration. Thank you very much

Great information with some very helpful ideas.