Thanks, this is great advice. I have 2 Silkies, 1Silkie mix (but not sure what with) and 1 Cream Legbar.
The pecking order has already been established and the coop is always calm, they always have plenty of food, water and healthy treats so I don't think there would be any motivation to escape...
Over here a yard would be a small concreted area at the rear of a house enclosed by brick walls and a gate, but yeah I'm sure it's what you'd call a yard. My garden is at least 100' long and 20' wide laid to lawn with wooden fence panels to enclose the 'garden/yard' I do also have a vegetable...
My hens live in a coop inside a large run in the garden which has plenty of space for them to run around, flap and scratch etc. but I've recently been toying with the idea of letting them out of the run to have run of the garden. My only worry is they may escape. My garden is secure and has 6'...