Can I free-range 6 chickens on 1/2 acre?

[Cochickfamily]

I am moving to a new property in Hudson Valley, NY and have 1.5 acres.
I've always dreamed of raising chickens and am hoping that now I'll be able to.
Some of the property is for planting/landscaping so that will be off limits to the chickens, leaving me with approximately 1/2 acre. Is this enough to raise 6 happy, healthy chickens?

What kind of 'damage' should I expect on the land that I do allow them access to?

Can it still be used for other purposes or should it be solely for the chickens?

Please advise! Thank you.

 

[islandgirl82]

You can absolutely raise a free range flock on the 1/2 acre and still be able to use that land for other purposes. The more space they have, the less damage they'll do. There are plenty of chicken-hardy plants that can survive their foraging, add variety to their diet, provide them with shelter from aerial predators, attract wild birds, bees, butterflies, etc. and they'll be able to help you fertilize.

There are quite a few threads on here in reference to keeping chickens and gardens, as well as books.

 

[Cochickfamily]

Thanks. I'm new on here but I'll stalk the old threads.

 

[WNCcluck]

Half an acre should be plenty of space for six girls. You'll love having them. I highly recommend cruising through various threads here on coop design, pros and cons of free ranging, breeds, and such. Welcome to the world of chickens!