Crossing the road

[k-ddid]

I don't care why the chicken crossed the road. I know it's to show a squirrel how it's done!

What I'd like to know is if there is any way to stop them from doing it? They have a wonderful large yard to free-range in, but at some point in the day, they get to the front of the house and twice have been in the road. I don't want them to get hit, or be a nuisance to the neighbor. Is it even possible to train them?

 

[sourland]

One word - fencing.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I believe it is the responsibility of a animal keeper to protect them. Crossing roads and streets will get them squished. I also believe it our responsibility not to allow our chickens to intrude onto other people's property, if the other owners objects in any way.

Training seems extremely difficult, if not impossible.

 

[k-ddid]

Fencing would be the ideal solution, but at the moment it's too much money to fence an acre. We do have a run for them, so that when we aren't here, they can be outside, but safe.
We do want to be respectful of the neighbors and their property, and of course don't want any chickens killed by vehicles. My granddaughter has named them all, and would be very sad if that should happen.
So, I guess we will just have to let them out to graze only when someone can be out to supervise.

 

[mstricer]

Chase them back. Mine have 2 acres and the bugs seem to be better under the pines by the street. I think a lot of the time they are looking for road gravel. I just shoo they back up if I catch them out there. The bad thing at out house is that the chickens now showed the turkeys how to go there. Nothing like a great big white bird to scare the crap out of someone.

 

[centrarchid]

It is not clear how landscape is organized with respect ot resources chickens need so a generic option provided.

Your birds have a home range that encompases what they need (food, water, roost, cover). During day cover and food have most influence or where they are at a given moment during day. You can get them to change ranging habits by placement of the easiest resource to manage, namely the food you give them. Place a feeding station away from where you do not want birds to go. They will spend more time in area of feeding station. This works even better if cover nearby.


Present situation.




After feeding station place further behind house away from road.





Birds need to know where feeding station is. Do not be above baiting them with treats to get them to move.