Can I let my young hens out for some exercise?

[shegeekster]

Hi BYC members.

Newbie here. I have been reading the articles and etc. on this website for some time but my first time posting with a question.

I have four hens ~8 weeks old, just moved them into their new "ark" last week. It has indoor and outdoor areas, but it's only 6x4, and I want to let them really stretch their legs in the yard now and then. I'm not sure if I'm asking for trouble doing so though.

I have tried to research this topic but must admit I get a lot of conflicting info so I'm really still confused. so, here are some questions for anyone with experience/advice to offer!

Will my chickens disappear into the "wilderness" if I let them out? Should they be a certain minimum age before I let them wander about? Is there a good approach to use to get them used to that kind of lifestyle? Is it even possible?? LOL...

I live in a residential area on about 1 wooded acre, with similar lots all around. I don't want to allow the birds to wander loose all the time, I guess in my fantasy they could go out in the yard and nose about and then collect to go in their coop/ark at nighttime...but how realistic is that? They don't exactly come when I call them (though I do seem to have them addicted to corn on the cob and might be able to lure them with that.) I got the hens for eggs, and for the fun of having them around.

While I was building the ark I let them spend their days in a makeshift pen in the yard and they sure loved chasing and running about in there, now their space is too small for that kind of wild play and I feel bad for them. So, I hope I'll be able to give them more freedom to spread their wings and kick up their legs soon!!

Thanks for any help and advice,

-Di

 

[Bullitt]

At 8 weeks old, they are pretty vulnerable. If you have dogs, cats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc around you, there is a chance that they could attack your pullets while they are walking around in your yard.

If you still want to let them wander around your property, I suggest you try letting them out about an hour before sundown. Then you can use feed or treats to lure them back at sundown. Each day you can extend the time that you allow them to roam. This way they get used to coming back to the coop at night.

You probably want to keep a close watch on them, especially when you are first letting them out.

 

[SIMZ]

We don't have a fenced in yard and anytime I let my chickens out they make a beeline to the neighbor's yard!

They have no concept of property lines!! We also have an acre. If they're comfortable with their coop then they'll come back at dark. It's just that they'll probably travel far and wide in the meantime. Another idea is to let them out about an hour or less before they normally go into their coop for the night. Then they can run around but won't have as much time to wander.

I like to set up simple fencing around the coop area. It gives them a large area to run and fly, but also keeps them within boundaries.

They are so fun to watch running around!

 

[shegeekster]

Hey thank you both for the reply. Sounds like your advice is similar, that they may likely get into trouble and limiting the time out to just before "bed" if I want to let them loose in the yard.

I wasn't thinking of leaving them unattended but also feared I'd spend more time chasing them around trying to catch them if I let them have free rein.

I also like your idea of a large enclosed area for them to play in. I had that little temporary screened in playpen for them while I was making their coop, I am thinking a larger version of that would be fast and easy way to let them get out to play and yet keep them safe. I agree SIMZ - it is a riot watching them play!! Going to plan on that solution for now, and looking forward to their first "outing."

Thanks again to you both for helping us newbs with our new chicken kids.

D.

 

[wullus]

I have around 12 chickens, plus 2 guinea fowl. I let them out at any random time during the day, and they just forage around in the garden, having fun. It's quite funny and entertaining to watch (well, I reckon ), however, sometimes it is an ordeal to get them back into their coop when they spread themselves out all over the place. We live on a 50 acre properly, probably the house and garden is on 3 or 4 at the most, and they roam around the garden, and never go further.

When first letting them out, I would supervise them and leave them out for an hour... maybe have a cup of coffee, do some gardening or something. Then heard them back into the coop.

We use hay in our garden, and they do scratch it all up and make a mess, but raking it back in isn't hard to do so it's alright

After a while, they'll get used to it, and know that when they're getting hearded up to go back to the coop. They usually know that when I come up behind them with my stick to go back to the coop.

It's quite funny when I have to go and collect the eggs, they'll all run to the door hoping I'm going to let them out for a free-range. Our chook pen is basically entirely a run, with a roost in the corner and some of it is covered in for when the weather is bad.

But yes, I would recommend it, free-ranging your chickens will allow for soil fertilization, insect control, as well as making your eggs taste way more delicious.

Be very weary of predators though - we have to make sure our dogs are secured inside their kennels, because they all bark and carry on when the chooks walk past. We've had one of our dogs kill a chicken, and since then, we've been extra-cautious about it.

Good luck with it!

 

[shegeekster]

Thanks again to everybody. I put up a simple fencing, temporary next to their coop and today they got to go out and enjoy the lovely weather. here's a clip!

 

[SIMZ]

Looks great! I'm sure they enjoyed it!

 

[wullus]

Looks like they're loving life! Was that the first time they free-ranged? I love it when I let chickens out for the first time to free-range... they're not quite sure what to do, then they start to get the hang of it all and it's awesome haha

am i crazy?

 

[shegeekster]

Thanks

It is the largest "free" area they've had to move around in, for sure. When they were a bit younger (hard to believe they are only 8-9 weeks old wow do chickens grow FAST) they had a 4x4 foot area made of chicken wire with a thin plastic sheet on top. Kind of a large cage, but at least they got to feel the air and play on grass. Now they have a lot more space and it's in a wooded area with tons of leaves and plants to scratch in and lots of bugs to eat...they can flap and jump and what is that thing they do when they charge at each other real fast then stop and stare? LOL...yep they are livin' large I think, I hope they are happy. They seem to be, and they are safer this way than simply loose in the yard, I don't have to chase them, and it is incentive for me to take a break so I can supervise.

I don't think you're crazy! But I'm a little suspicious about myself...

 

[Suzierd]

I don't see the clip.