First time letting my chickens free range. HELP!

[Montgirl]

This is good info for me as well as I am new and will have my first flock come Spring. My main concern is hawks. Chickens will be free ranging on about a 2 acre area. I am also trying to figure out how to keep them from laying out there. Any tips Montgirl?

Mine haven't started laying yet, I'm hoping that since I'm only letting them free range for a few hours each day, they will lay in the coop. If not then my dogs will get a snack I'll let you know how they do. I'm really hoping for eggs soon!

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

When I just had the game birds....I had kicked them all out of the chicken tractor for a few weeks. I didn't find any eggs till way later. 9 of them in the hedge between ours and the neighboring property.

 

[charlie14]

I never let them out if I'm not home, I also make sure one of the dogs stays out with them. The dogs are good at keeping any ground predator at bay. Or alerting me to anything that is not right.

 

[nab58]

I was more lenient with letting my six free range until a fox got a hold of one in plain daylight while I was inside the house. Luckily, I was just inside the door and heard the hen squawk as she was running past in hot pursuit by the fox. I yelled and the fox darted off in the other direction. The hen was safe and unharmed. I considered that a warning and never let them out without being out with them. I agree, the dogs being out at the same time act as a deterrent.

 

[Beulah89]

Well I've heard that chickens tend to laying the morning so I don't let mine out till I've got an egg! Works well!

 

[MyPetNugget]

My chickens are never out of the coop unless I am with them. Do you have any bushes or low-branched trees? if so they tend to stay under that plus it's safe from most predators (camoflauge) Oh and a little tip to get them inside the coop: they LOVE CHOPPED GRAPES

 

[CAjamieb]

So glad I found this thread! I have 9 adults that I purchased a week ago and have been waiting to let them free range until I was sure they know where home is. My plan is to let them out late afternoon for a trial run. Since they normally head for the roost about 5:30 I figure an hour or so the first time out will give me an idea of how they'll behave. I'm brand new at this and am a little anxious about their first free range experience---your info here has been very helpful. Thank you all.