can i free range my flock?

[jakeinater]

I have 18 chickens and they eat alot of feed, I've been thinking of freeranging them to reduce costs but I'm worried they might jump my fence, my fence is about three feet high and it surrounds about half an acre. I have pretty rich neighbors so having my chickens eat some of their 100 dollar petunias would be a no-no. Would half an acre be enough land that they wouldn't be tempted to jump the fence? Or should I buy some netting to raise the fence 2 more feet?

 

[CHICKLOVER69]

Chickens can actually fly. Not like a dove, but i dont think 2 feet would make a difference. They may stay in the yard, but if something got after them, they may fly the coop. do a search for "reduce feed cost", or something similar. People mix oats and other things with their food to help reduce cost. Check it out

 

[N F C]

Chickens waste a lot of feed so you could check out some "no waste feeders". There are pictures and plans of some that various members have made if you do a search for them.

Here are a few ideas to maybe get you started:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...te-5-gallon-25-feed-bucket-feeder-for-about-3

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/808242/custom-built-no-waste-pvc-feeders

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...y-zero-waste-chicken-feeder-no-mess-and-clean

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-almost-waste-free-funnel-bucket-feeder

P.S. Welcome to BYC!

 

[CHICKLOVER69]

I made a truely waste free feeder. Got the idea from other pic's on here. Look at my profile and look at the pictures. Do not have a drop of feed on the ground and stays dry. Holds a 50# sack of feed. You can also us a 5 gal bucket from the link of the previous poster.

 

[CHICKLOVER69]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/924626/new-feeder-is-awesome Just figured out how to copy my thread. Lol. Hope it helps