First time free ranger due to the heat!

[midget_farms]

I have a lot of predators around - my two Boston terriers especially. because of this I have always kept my hens confined to the run - 25ft by 25ft for 8 hens + 1 roo.

They never seamed to mind - but this week because of the heat I wanted to try an experiment. The pen is located right next to some woods (really just about 1/8 acre) that can provide shade & some cooling. Because my dogs can't go outside in the heat I decided to let the chickens free.

HA! What a great success! I knew they wouldn't go anywhere, but I live on a very busy road & worried they may 'cross' (anyone know why? LOL)

Anyway - they did what I thought - they stayed in the cool shade of the woods & then went to be right on time. They even layed the eggs in the nests.

I may do this all summer.

 

[Firework]

Good idea.

But be sure your neighbors dog doesn't get them!

 

[PunkinPeep]

I've been doing the same thing. There's nothing like the underbrush of the woods for good shade, and they're staying healthy and hydrated in spite of the brutality of this summer.

Be careful though; they will eventually start to venture further. Mine like to explore in the morning before it gets too hot. I've caught them crossing the road a couple of times now.

 

[midget_farms]

I've noticed this - today they were in the back yard instead of the front. As long as they go this direction they will be OK - if they go the other way they may get splattered!

 

[gritsar]

My chickens head to the "woods" when the day starts heating up and don't come out again till late evening. Given the choice, they instinctively know how to stay cool.

 

[elmo]

Our Boston is completely disinterested in our chicks (not that I'd trust him without a leash if the chickens were free ranging, though). He does sometimes climb up on the windowsill in our bird room where our doves "free range" and sometimes I see him asleep with a bird sunning itself next to him. He's just not a bird dog, I guess.