Raising Free-Range Chickens

While selecting chickens for free-range, there are a few factors to consider. For free-range chickens to thrive, they must possess good vision, strong foraging instincts, be aware of danger, and be well colored to blend in with their surroundings.

Some breeds like Polishes & Houdans, which have large crests over their eyes, have poor vision. Because they cannot see what's coming for them, birds with low vision are way more susceptible to predator attacks.

Due to strong instincts such as their desire to forage and awareness of predators, heritage breeds are generally the best suited to free-ranging. Breeds that are newer and more commercialized are bred just for production and lack the instincts of older breeds.

When it comes to camouflage, chickens with certain feather patterns will have a better chance of surviving. Free-ranging a white chicken has different results from free-ranging a brown chicken with white speckles.

5 Excellent Free-Ranging Breeds​

1. Speckled Sussex​

A variety of reasons make Speckled Sussex chickens suitable for free-ranging. These beautiful birds have feathers that provide excellent camouflage so that they can forage safely. It does a good job foraging and looking out for dangers as far as instincts are concerned.

2. Buckeye​

As a heritage breed, Buckeye chickens have deep-rooted foraging instincts, which makes them ideal for finding food on their own. Furthermore, Buckeyes are less noticeable when free-ranging due to their dark brown color.

3. Plymouth Rock​

The Plymouth Rock, or specifically the Barred Rock, is a much-loved breed for more reasons than just its ability to roam freely. In addition to excellent egg layer characteristics, these chickens are also friendly and wary of hazards that could hurt them while free-ranging.

4. Egyptian Fayoumi​

It's not the friendliest chicken around, but Egyptian Fayoumis' flightiness is hugely advantageous in avoiding predators. Wits & camouflage enable Egyptian Fayoumis to stay safe while foraging.

5. Welsummer​

The versatility of the Welsummer makes it a worthwhile breed to have for more reasons than one. The egg basket of any family will be spiced up with the lovely eggs laid by this gorgeous free ranger.

Alternatives to Free-Ranging​

While free-ranging has many advantages, it is not always ideal. There is a possibility that you will decide that the disadvantages or the current circumstances don't justify letting your flock roam freely. Every chicken keeper will have a different setup, so if free-ranging isn't for you, there might be some other options.

1. Electric Netting​

Electrical poultry netting offers a practical way to provide free-range living conditions for your birds, without allowing them to roam freely. You can purchase various lengths of poultry netting and connect them together to enlarge your birds' run.

Poultry nets are only semi-permanent, meaning you can move them to fresh grass whenever necessary if you have a lot of room to move your flock. Plus your flock should be safe from predators with the help of electric fencing.

2. Chicken Tractors​

A chicken tractor is another great alternative to letting your birds roam freely so that they will be able to access fresh grass. Chicken tractors can be built according to your flock's needs and there are many different designs available. Your flock will be protected from aerial predators while benefiting from a foraged diet thanks to chicken tractors.

Conclusion​

The benefits of free-range chickens are numerous, but it's not the preferred option for everyone, and it's okay if it's not for you. Think carefully about your flock and farm when deciding what's suitable for your chickens. A farm can be however you want it to be, and there's no right way or wrong way!