Confine or continue free range?

[Mrs. K]

The run will give you options. Mine free range sometimes, sometimes I keep them confined. I have fed the predators a lot of chickens over the years, I agree, a good run just gives you options.

 

[Folly's place]

Chickens do love the woods; they are jungle animals at heart. your youngsters haven't had a bad predator experience yet, nor do they have adults to teach them caution.
Having a safe run always pays off!
Plantings around your coop and (new) run will also help keep them interested, and safer, closer to home.
My birds do wander at least that far when free ranging, and generally it's fine, but not always.
Mary