do chickens need to be free range

[AllChookUp]

Naw, you don't HAVE to free-range, but I think it results in happier chickens.

 

[ams3651]

I started out free ranging till my neighbor...yadda yadda. So now I just make sure they get grass and clover almost every day. Pumkins, apples, lettuce, etc. It wont take long till the run has no grass, I think they are happier in a larger run because they cant get outside.

 

[LynneP]

Ours are 'free run'. You can see the setup in the link below.

We can't do free range, they'd be gone in two days with all our foxes, raccoons, coyotes, etc...

 

[newchickmom]

We have a coop and run. Some days I let the girls out to "free-range" in the larger fenced area around the barn for anywhere from 30min to 2hr. I sit out there with them so it depends on how much time I have.
As soon as they see me coming, the all crowd around the gate to get out and it looks like a chicken flood.

They all tend to stay pretty close also.

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
I have the same dilemma (subdivision - HOA), but am wondering if it might be okay for them to free-range for an hour or two in the evenings if I'm outside with them at the time.

Also, how hard are they to "catch" and put up after free ranging? Will I need to bribe them with something, such as their favorite - oatmeal?

 

[LilbitChicken]

Free Range, is better. BUT for us, the predators aren't worth it!

So we have a LARGE run and coop to help keep the chickens happy.

 

[JeninMN]

Quote:
I have the same dilemma (subdivision - HOA), but am wondering if it might be okay for them to free-range for an hour or two in the evenings if I'm outside with them at the time.

Also, how hard are they to "catch" and put up after free ranging? Will I need to bribe them with something, such as their favorite - oatmeal?

This is what we've been doing this summer..so far anyway...been taking them out and letting them go around the yard when we are out there...so far so good...they don't seem to go far....usually if they hear me rustling the feed bag inside the next thing I know they are all making their way back in to the coop...like I say...so far so good but makes me nervous so I will sure be glad when our run is finished!

 

[pattyjean73]

I agree with everyone else. Free Ranging isn't necassary but I think it makes for happier chickens. Seems like there is a slight difference in taste of the meat and eggs when they free range too.

 

[Equus5O]

I saw someone mentioned clover. Hmmm ... if I used to pull up clover for guinea pigs, I suppose I can do it for the girlies.

 

[RubberChickenLubber]

Quote:
I have the same dilemma (subdivision - HOA), but am wondering if it might be okay for them to free-range for an hour or two in the evenings if I'm outside with them at the time.

Also, how hard are they to "catch" and put up after free ranging? Will I need to bribe them with something, such as their favorite - oatmeal?

You don't need to do anything to get them in the coop at night. Keep them in the coop for about a week with no free range, and then once you start letting them free range they will go to the coop at dusk on thier own.