Chicken Enclosure Question.

[IHC986]

Howdy people! I've 17 R.I.R.'s in a 60x60 fenced pen. I have not allowed them to be outside of the pen. I have provided my girls with many creature comforts, and, my girls enjoy "The life of Riley" here. My question for the experienced members of BYC is this; If I were to open the pen gate, (to allow my girls access to my yard) a couple of hours before dark, would they return to their hen house to roost, or, would they run away never to return?

 

[Pyxis]

They should come back Chickens are very stubborn about sleeping in the same place every night, as anyone who has ever tried to move birds to a new coop or had a chicken sleeping where they shouldn't will tell you. It's why you can free range chickens without fear of losing the flock - they always come back to the coop to sleep at night.

 

[N F C]

x2 on Pyxis answer, they should come right back as it starts to get dark.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

free ranging birds will return at dusk, if they haven't fallen prey to predators of the four legged or two legged persuasion.