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

Top notch article with commonsense advice about attitude and approaches.
The notes about breed and temperament choices are appreciated - a lot of people do not consider these things when deciding how to "keep" their birds.

Great article.
Thoughtful points.


I’ve paid much closer attention this spring and summer as I’ve reduced the size of my chickens free range area.
They still have a large area and plenty of hiding spots, and a clear path to their covered run and coop, but any time you reduce their area it can also increase their chances of getting run down, cornered, or caught by predators.

I’ve had crows and ravens raising their young nearby and they’ve been fascinating to observe collaborating to keep the hawks away.
The fuss and noise they make alert my chickens and they respond fast.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I may try the skid on blocks thing this fall.

Excellent information!

This article has great information and can potentially help people struggling with whether to free range or not.

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.

Clear as always.