Do my chickens know the way home?

[Ryans5408]

Hi. I have been letting my chickens out free ranging while watching them play, and have noticed some get very far away. If I were to not scare them back home would they be able to find their way back by themselves? They are 8 weeks old.

 

[SueT]

I have found that mine always have oriented themselves so they know the way back home. I think yours will know their way back home, but it's a good idea to not let them get too far where they might encounter a predator.

 

[BreanneRN]

Yeah, I think the chickens will "know their way back home", but whether or not they get there may be a red-riding hood story, and depend on if they meet up with a "big bad.." (well, you know)...

 

[MROO]

X 100 for both the previous posts! At 8 weeks, they're big enough to know their way back, as they've been in the coop for a couple of weeks to know it as "home." Chickens love to explore, especially when there are bugs to be had, and without an experienced rooster or some other guard critter to keep an eye on them, they're prime targets for predators - and by the look of your woods, you've got predators. If there'a a way to minimize their wanderings, you may want to consider it. A portable chicken tractor or a fenced and netted play frame would go a long way to keeping your girls safe and easing your own anxieties over their safety.

 

[Ryans5408]

X 100 for both the previous posts! At 8 weeks, they're big enough to know their way back, as they've been in the coop for a couple of weeks to know it as "home." Chickens love to explore, especially when there are bugs to be had, and without an experienced rooster or some other guard critter to keep an eye on them, they're prime targets for predators - and by the look of your woods, you've got predators. If there'a a way to minimize their wanderings, you may want to consider it. A portable chicken tractor or a fenced and netted play frame would go a long way to keeping your girls safe and easing your own anxieties over their safety.

Hi! Thank you for the advice. We plan on adding more tall fencing and a bigger area which connects to the woods so they can be out there for some of the day while being protected. We will still close it off at night. Thanks!

 

[MROO]

Hi! Thank you for the advice. We plan on adding more tall fencing and a bigger area which connects to the woods so they can be out there for some of the day while being protected. We will still close it off at night. Thanks!

Cool! Make sure you cover the top, too, or at least have tons of places for them to hide. It's heartbreaking to lose one to a hawk, especially when you've taken so many precautions against everything else. I learned that the hard way. After losing a (rare!) Nankin bantam pullet to a hawk, our biddies are no longer allowed to free range at all. We have one hen in particular who is VERY vocal in her complaints, but after finding a pile of feathers and a bare skull from her sister, I'll put up with Piggy's grumbling!

 

[Folly's place]

You should have a safe coop and run for them, and then 'free range' as you can. There will be times when they need to be in a safe place, sometimes for weeks, as after a raptor attack, or at other times.
Electric poultry netting is a very good option for allowing wider but safer range time, for protection from ground predators. Only a covered run provides safety from raptors!
Your chicks will have some instinctive behaviors that help them, but there are no adults to teach safety, so they are more likely to be careless out there.
Free ranging is always a risk, so be aware.
Mary

 

[Ryans5408]

Cool! Make sure you cover the top, too, or at least have tons of places for them to hide. It's heartbreaking to lose one to a hawk, especially when you've taken so many precautions against everything else. I learned that the hard way. After losing a (rare!) Nankin bantam pullet to a hawk, our biddies are no longer allowed to free range at all. We have one hen in particular who is VERY vocal in her complaints, but after finding a pile of feathers and a bare skull from her sister, I'll put up with Piggy's grumbling!

Awe. My fear is to lose one and I will be sure to cover the top because these chickens (sounds silly) have become family to me over just 2 months time.

 

[Folly's place]

When you allow your birds to range outside of a totally safe coop and run, you WILL have losses occasionally. Sometimes one to a hawk, sometimes ALL of them to dogs. It's a trade off that you make; fun out there hunting for bugs and worms, vs. complete safety.
Survivors of an attack will be more careful in the future, but it's hard to lose anyone.
Mary

 

[BreanneRN]

Awe. My fear is to lose one and I will be sure to cover the top because these chickens (sounds silly) have become family to me over just 2 months time.

I can totally relate, after raising day old birds sent in February, my biggest fear is that something will happen to them... I love them all, but worry most about the EE's oddly enough. Because they are unique, with all their differing personalities and colors, I wouldn't be able to replace them. They are good egg layers, too! But are demonstrating a huge desire to free range and I am going to have to cover their 6 foot run... It is under a cedar tree and I didn't think I would have too, but I find them roosting in the tree...