Does anyone else Free Range?

[Sydney Acres]

Raptor foot stresses very different from those of poultry. I very seldom see bumblefoot in game broodfowl that can reach a decade or more in age. Perches we use are round and sized so toenails of opposing toes barely overlap thus mechanical stress on foot likely low with roosting.

And game fowl are relatively lightweight, so their risk of bumblefoot is minimal, regardless of other factors.

 

[centrarchid]

My American Dominiques run a 1.5 to 2 lbs heavier also without foot problems although advanced age not yet realized.


The lighter weight may in part be compensated for by the more extreme forces associated with take-off and landing. Some game breeds (oriental) are also thought prone to bumblefoot although they are typically heavier or at least do not have as much wing function when it comes to roost access. Keepers of such seem inclined to keep roosts low and some have so landing is hay / straw covered.


My birds also spend virtually all their time walking on grass rather than exposed ground or concrete. When penned, pens are moved to prevent all grass from being destroyed like with chicken tractors. Also helps with parasite management.

 

[Sydney Acres]

My American Dominiques run a 1.5 to 2 lbs heavier also without foot problems although advanced age not yet realized.


The lighter weight may in part be compensated for by the more extreme forces associated with take-off and landing. Some game breeds (oriental) are also thought prone to bumblefoot although they are typically heavier or at least do not have as much wing function when it comes to roost access. Keepers of such seem inclined to keep roosts low and some have so landing is hay / straw covered.


My birds also spend virtually all their time walking on grass rather than exposed ground or concrete. When penned, pens are moved to prevent all grass from being destroyed like with chicken tractors. Also helps with parasite management.

I love birds being kept on grass. They're so much happier and healthier.

 

[JanetS]

If we still free ranged our chickens we wouldn't have any chickens!! We have to many bobcats in our area.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

We should start a thread on "beautiful predators" because they are so terrible for a small-holding farmer but so essential to the greater ecosystem. I've never seen a bobcat, although I saw something like it once in Manitoba, but not sure what it was.

 

[Oscarsgravett]

I've seen and read a lot on here about coups and runs, but very little about free ranging. Mine are all out during the day and they head to the coup at night.

Does anyone else do this?

Mind do this. They go all the way to the top of our field. I haven't had any problems with predators as they seem to stay near the coop late evening. I think the eggs seem to taste better when they are free range. Don't worry there are many benefits to having them free range.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I'm a little bit relieved. yesterday. Out on the Snow paths (narrow grass paths surrounded by deeper snow). I've cut around the coop and trees the silkie came out with her Black Australorp hen friend and ranged. I went up to get my camera to get pictures of it. But they all ducked back in the run and then she didn't come out again even with some of the scratch I offered on the trailways. I think she'll get it after a while. I got some good pictures yesterday of the birds free ranging. Today we've got 3-4 new inches of snow. blech....

Here is Roger venturing out on the trail in the morning fog. It was sort of cool. Doesn't make for a good picture though, I suppose.





Just a maze of trails from one tree to the next. I've dug for them. they love it.





Sunny and Sylvia.



Roger and his dear friend Sunny. They are usually always together no matter who his high hen is.

 

[whittychick]

Mind do this. They go all the way to the top of our field. I haven't had any problems with predators as they seem to stay near the coop late evening. I think the eggs seem to taste better when they are free range. Don't worry there are many benefits to having them free range.

Are you guys home all day? Or leave them out when you're gone?

 

[whittychick]

I'm a little bit relieved. yesterday. Out on the Snow paths (narrow grass paths surrounded by deeper snow). I've cut around the coop and trees the silkie came out with her Black Australorp hen friend and ranged. I went up to get my camera to get pictures of it. But they all ducked back in the run and then she didn't come out again even with some of the scratch I offered on the trailways. I think she'll get it after a while. I got some good pictures yesterday of the birds free ranging. Today we've got 3-4 new inches of snow. blech.... Here is Roger venturing out on the trail in the morning fog. It was sort of cool. Doesn't make for a good picture though, I suppose. Just a maze of trails from one tree to the next. I've dug for them. they love it. Sunny and Sylvia. Roger and his dear friend Sunny. They are usually always together no matter who his high hen is.

Thanks for sharing pictures!! We are due for a huge storm tomorrow into weds! Sooooo done with this snow!!!

 

[Beekissed]

Are you guys home all day? Or leave them out when you're gone?

I leave mine out 24/7, 365, whether I am home, gone to work, away on vacation, etc.