At what age should I let my yard birds play in the yard?

[Pollokeeper]

I have 17 brownish red yard birds, some 2 months, some 1 month old. I live in Panama and there are many ferrel chickens already in my large yard. My fiancee does not like to let the birds play outside but I believe it is the best for them. She is worried about their safety etc. I know, from watching all the ferrel chickens that it is not so bad for them. For the time being, the birds only get to go out a few hours a day and spend the rest of their time in a boring pen. My only concern would be that the ferrel chickens would get in my pen and eat my feed.

 

[dancingbear]

I let mine run loose when they are fully feathered, and about as big as a pigeon. IMO, free-range birds are healthier, cleaner, happier and less stressed than confined birds. (if you don't have a lot of predator issues) However, the feral birds will most likely get in and eat the feed. You could try feeding your birds early, putting away the feed when you let them out, then put it back before you close them up for the night. Putting the feed back in late afternoon/early evening is a way to get them all back in, too, if you don't want to wait until they go in on their own.

 

[Maniac Dad]

I'd be watching your feral birds. You may find that the street gang will teach your "easy livn homies" that life on the lamb is better than being part of your menu.