Free at last!

[Beccazon]

I have wanted to free range my birds since I get them. But we built a big coop and plenty of room space because where we live there are plenty of predators and I wasn't sure my birds would return as they should. So at 3 months old now, I have one (of three) cockerel who is a hormonal jerk so I have been tossing him out of the run when I open the coop each morning. He stays close and comes back in when I want him to. I also have 2 bantam who are 2 1/2 months who stay up high and in the coop since they are small and easy targets for my older full-size flock. I though, what the heck, time to try free-ranging in the yard and if it works well, since the cockerel comes back in, the bantams can have a break from the coop during the day while the others are foraging.

Last night just before dusk I RELEASED THE CHICKEN. Lol. They all stayed very close and came back in the run gate I left open as soon as dusk started to settle in. Happy me! So this morning I left the gate open when I opened the coop. They have all wandered in and out in the last few hours. I think they are loving this freedom treat! The cockerels are showing off at each other. The girls can escape the brats. Lots of grass and bugs to snack on. Hopefully they will come in this evening with no issue.

Even our dog (part Great Pyrenees) doesn't seem too phased after scaring one chicken into the fence and watching it bounce off. He must have felt bad and walked away disinterested the rest of the morning lol.

Here's to freedom!!