first flock

[PeAckAnBiTs]

This is my first flock an I got eight girls an an a roo they all 6 to 8 wk old. They have all been in the coop an run the whole time I've had them. I was wanting to let them out to free range some. Sense they have been in coop an run this long do you think they would come back to roost in the coop if i let them out. Thanks

 

[silkiecuddles]

They are old enough to free range. I actually let mine free range from as young as 1 week if they have a mama hen to watch them.
I'd let them out in the evening, and keep a close eye on them. They won't wander far on day 1, but depending on the breed, their area grows. My SS wander so far to the point where they don't hear me calling them at bed time.

 

[PeAckAnBiTs]

I have no hen. I give them lots of attention to get them trained to come when I call somewhat anyways. I see myself as hen an roo weird I no. I have a variety. Wyndott,americana,barred rock. leghorn, silkie,an a Lil game chicken. I'm jus alil worried.

 

[silkiecuddles]

Yes, I understand. I freaked out the first time I let my first chicks out. I came and checked on them hourly.
At 6 and 8 weeks old, though, they should be fine. Check on them occasionally.

 

[PeAckAnBiTs]

So they should come back in at dusk.

 

[silkiecuddles]

Probably. You may need to assist at bedtime

 

[PeAckAnBiTs]

Thanks for fredback

 

[cstronks]

My hens never wander far from the coop. Generally they won't go anywhere that they can't see the coop. They like knowing where home is usually, but yea, you can let them out. I also would say that on the first few free ranges they wont go far. My hens stayed within 25 feet of the hen house on their first day out. Now, my yard has a ton of bushes and garden space for them, so they don't need to go super far, but still they stayed close in my experience.

 

[PeAckAnBiTs]

Ok that helps.everybody tells me to let them out that they come back. I guess I won't no till I give them a chence...thanks yall

 

[aart]

If they are going into the coop from the run by themselves to roost at dusk, then starting free ranging should be fine.....
.......tho being that small they are more susceptible to predators.

First time ranging, let them out an hour before their usual roost time...they won't go far and you'll see if they come back to the coop/run at dusk.
If you've 'trained' them to respond to a rattling container of feed, that will help entice them if needed.
If they come back to roost that first day without prompting, let them out a little earlier each day.
Play it by ear and use common chicken sense.