First Time in the Yard Help

[MermaidSouth]

Our girls are 8 weeks old and have been in their big coop for 2 weeks now. We want to let them free range in our yard now. What is the best way to take the leap?

Do we let them all out at once or just the easiest at first?
How long do you let the first visits to the yard last?

Any pointers?

We have high fences and half an acre so we got a net and a hook just in case. It had rained all week and the worms are everywhere. We think they will love it.

Advice deeply appreciated.

 

[igorsMistress]

Once you open the coop they'll likely stay pretty close at first and start exploring further with time. Just open the door and let them out. They might take a while to decide to leave the safety of the coop and may need help at bed time at first but they'll love getting out!

 

[Pghelp]

Our girls are 8 weeks old and have been in their big coop for 2 weeks now. We want to let them free range in our yard now. What is the best way to take the leap?

Do we let them all out at once or just the easiest at first?
How long do you let the first visits to the yard last?

Any pointers?

We have high fences and half an acre so we got a net and a hook just in case. It had rained all week and the worms are everywhere. We think they will love it.

Advice deeply appreciated.

Ours just turned 9 weeks old. I started letting them out in the chicken yard a couple of weeks ago. At first I stayed with them to make sure all was well and reserved treats to lure them back into their coop. We have 2 older hens so we were careful about leaving them unsupervised. Now I'm letting them out for longer periods. I have a hook on the coop door so they can retreat if they wish since the opening is too small for the big girls. They will ove it put there and will try to eat everything in sight!